The Upper Limb Tension Test: Inter-tester Reliability for Assessing the Onset of Passive Resistance R 1

Abstract

The aim of this trial was to assess the inter-tester reliability of the Upper Limb Tension Test (ULTT). The onset of passive resistance (R1) of the left elbow was determined by four experienced manual therapists in a group of asymptomatic subjects. A recording of the degrees of elbow extension was obtained using a goniometer, having first positioned the upper extremity in a bracket maintaining 110 degrees of shoulder abduction and 10 degrees of shoulder extension. Each rater then moved the subjects' left shoulder into full external rotation and the forearm into full supination with the wrist and fingers in a neutral position. Data was collected four consecutive days. The data was analyzed by a two-way analysis of variance. The means of the readings among the four raters was found to be significantly different. It was concluded that the ULTT has a low inter-tester reliability when R1 is compared. Several suggestions are made for future research projects in this area.