Purpose of Test: To assess the integrity of biceps tendon or labrum.
Test Position: Sitting or standing.
Performing the Test: Start with the patient’s arm in 90 degrees of shoulder flexion. Have the patient resist a movement into extension, a first time supinated and a second time with the arm pronated. A positive test is considered if there is significantly greater pain in the bicipital groove with the arm supinated.
Importance of Test: Speed’s Test can be used to assess both the Bicep’s tendon or a SLAP tear. The patient experiences greater pain with the arm supinated due to the increased eccentric stress placed across the bicep's tendon. Patients may still report pain with the arm in pronation, but the severity of pain will be less. Remember, the long head of the biceps attaches to the supraglenoid tubercle and can recreate labral related pain as well.
Note: these tests should only be performed by properly trained health care practitioners.
Reference: Bennett W. (1998). Specificity of the Speed’s Test: Arthroscopic technique for evaluating the biceps tendon at the level of the bicipital groove. Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. 14.8. 789-796. Web 10 Dec 2012.