College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What special test simulates the symptoms of a farmer who experiences numbness and tingling in his distal upper extremity while in a provocative position?

1. Adson's Maneuver

2. Roos Test

3. Wright's Test

4. Allen Test

The correct answer is: Adson's Maneuver

The special test that simulates the symptoms of numbness and tingling in the distal upper extremity, particularly in a provocative position, is known as Adson's Maneuver. This test is specifically designed to evaluate vascular and neurological conditions related to thoracic outlet syndrome, where neurovascular structures may be compressed at the thoracic outlet. During Adson's Maneuver, the patient is asked to take a deep breath while the clinician monitors the radial pulse and instructs the patient to turn their head towards the affected side. If there is a decrease in the radial pulse or if the patient experiences exacerbation of numbness and tingling during this maneuver, it indicates that the neurovascular structures are likely being compressed, which closely aligns with the symptoms described. In this scenario, the farmer's symptoms may suggest that certain positions exacerbate the compression of these structures, leading to the reported numbness and tingling. Adson's Maneuver would replicate this situation effectively. Other tests, such as the Wright's Test, Roos Test, and Allen Test, also assess thoracic outlet syndrome but focus on different aspects of the condition or involve different maneuvers that may not specifically evoke the same symptoms in the described context.