Trapezius Muscle Weakness Test

• This test is applied to the clinic to check the weakness of the Trapezius muscle.
• Muscle of the trapezius is a flat, broad, superficial muscle which is extending from the cervical to thoracic region to the posterior aspect of the neck & trunk.
• Muscle of the trapezius is contributing to the scapulohumeral rhythm of the shoulder.
• This test checks the tightness of the Trapezius muscle.

What is the purpose of the Trapezius muscle weakness test?

• This test is used to check the tightness of the Trapezius muscle.
• This test is also used to check the presence of the cervical torticollis.

What is part of the Trapezius muscle?

1. Upper Trapezius muscle
2. Middle Trapezius muscle
3. Lower Trapezius muscle

First, check the weakness of three muscles of Trapezius muscle

• Technique = starting position of the patient is sitting position.
• The patient is in a sitting position & places the patient the hands together over the head of the patient.
• The examiner stands behind the patient & pushes the elbow forward. in the
• Normal pattern the three parts of the trapezius muscle contract for to stabilize the scapula.

Check the upper Trapezius muscle

• Technique = starting position of the patient is sitting position.
• This upper Trapezius muscle is tested separately by elevating the shoulder with the arm sightly abducted / to resisted shoulder abduction & head side flexion.

• When the shoulder is elevated with the help of the arm by the side, it is indicated to the involvement of the muscle of levator scapulae & rhomboids.

Check the middle Trapezius muscle

• Technique = starting position of the patient in the prone position.
• This middle Trapezius muscle is tested with the patient in a prone position with the arm abducted to 90′ & laterally rotated means external rotated.

• This test involves the examiner resisting the horizontal extension of the arm watching for retraction of the scapula, which should normally occur.

• If scapular protraction occurs, the middle fibers of the trapezius are weak.

Check the lower Trapezius muscle

• Technique = starting position of the patient in the prone position.
• The patient is prone lying with the arm abducted to 120′ & shoulder laterally rotated means externally rotated.
• The examiner applies resistance to diagonal extension & watches for scapular retraction that should normally occur.

• If scapular protraction occurs, the lower trapezius is weak.

What is the result of the Trapezius muscle weakness test?

• Paralysis of the Trapezius muscle causes the scapula to translate inferiorly,& the inferior angle of the scapula is rotated laterally means externally.
• If the scapula is elevated more than normal, it may indicate a tight trapezius or the presence of cervical torticollis.