testing

Last reviewed 01/2018

Pectoralis major is tested by observing and feeling for contraction under the following conditions:

  • the patient adducts the arms from an abducted position against resistance
  • the arms are flexed at the shoulder to 60 degrees:
    • maintenance of this position against a force applied downwards by the examiner mainly involves the use of fibres of the clavicular portion
    • maintenance of this position against resistance applied upwards by the examiner mainly involves the use of sternocostal fibres