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

Which special test indicates a biceps long head pathology?

1. Neer Test

2. Speed's Test

3. Jobe's Test

4. Hawkins-Kennedy Test

The correct answer is: Speed's Test

Speed's Test is specifically designed to assess the integrity and pathology of the biceps long head, particularly to check for tendinopathy or a tear in the tendon. During this test, the patient is asked to flex their shoulder while the therapist resists the movement, which places stress on the biceps tendon. Pain in the anterior shoulder during this movement is indicative of a potential issue with the biceps long head. In contrast, the Neer Test is primarily used to assess for impingement of the shoulder joint, primarily involving the supraspinatus tendon. The Hawkins-Kennedy Test also evaluates shoulder impingement but does so by internally rotating the arm while it is elevated, placing stress on the rotator cuff tendons. Jobe's Test focuses on the supraspinatus muscle rather than the biceps long head, assessing for rotator cuff tears by checking the strength and pain response during elevation of the arm in the scapular plane. The specificity of Speed's Test in directly targeting the biceps long head pathology is what makes it the correct choice in this context.