Shoulder Mobility Test (Apley Scratch Test)

Want to know in 30 seconds whether someone has a meaningful shoulder restriction without pulling out the goniometer? The Apley Scratch Test is the classic shoulder mobility screening test: it combines several movements into one and, while it doesn't replace a full goniometric assessment, it gives you a quick idea of where to dig deeper.

It's ideal as a first filter before moving on to more detailed assessments like general shoulder goniometry.

What does this test measure?

It evaluates combined shoulder range of motion, integrating flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and internal/external rotation in a single functional gesture: trying to touch your fingers behind your back, one hand reaching from above and the other from below.

• The hand that reaches over the head and down the back mainly assesses abduction + external rotation
• The hand that reaches from the lower back upward mainly assesses adduction + internal rotation + extension

Equipment needed

• None (it's a 100% equipment-free test)

Test protocol

1. The subject stands or sits, relaxed
2. Arm 1: ask them to bring one hand over the shoulder on the same side, bending the elbow back, trying to touch the upper back (between the shoulder blades)
3. Arm 2: at the same time, ask them to bring the other hand behind the lower back, elbow pointing down, trying to reach up toward the shoulder blades from below
4. Observe whether the fingers of both hands touch or overlap behind the back
5. If they don't touch, measure the distance between the fingertips of both hands
6. Repeat with the arms swapped (the hand that was on top goes to the bottom) and compare both sides

Common mistakes

• Not repeating the test with the arms reversed (each combination assesses different mobility patterns)
• Letting the subject "help" by leaning or rotating the trunk to bring the hands closer together
• Not measuring the distance when the fingers don't touch (just noting "yes/no")
• Confusing a shoulder limitation with an elbow or wrist limitation (pay close attention to where the restriction actually occurs)

How to interpret the result

Result	Interpretation
Fingers touch or overlap on both sides, in both combinations	Combined shoulder mobility within normal range
0-10 cm distance between fingers	Mild restriction, monitor and compare with the opposite side
Distance > 10-15 cm, or clear asymmetry between sides	Significant restriction — follow up with movement-specific goniometry
Pain during the maneuver	Refer for a specific shoulder assessment (possible rotator cuff or subacromial involvement)

Interpretation should always be comparative between both sides: a marked asymmetry is usually more clinically relevant than a "slightly low" but symmetric range.

Related tests

The Apley Scratch Test is a good starting point before a more thorough shoulder assessment:

• General flexibility test (shoulder goniometry) — if you detect a restriction in the Apley Scratch, follow up with individual measurements for each movement
• Wall Shoulder Mobility Test — another quick way to assess shoulder mobility, useful for comparing results

Track it over time

Since it's a quick, equipment-free test, it's perfect to include in every periodic assessment without adding extra time. In Movalytics you can log whether the fingers touch or the distance in cm for each arm combination and side, and catch early on whether a shoulder restriction is appearing or worsening — especially relevant for throwing, swimming, or tennis athletes.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Apley Scratch Test replace a full goniometric assessment? No, it's a quick screening test. If it detects a restriction, it's worth following up with individual measurements for each movement (flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, etc.). Is it normal not to be able to touch your fingers? It's relatively common to have some distance, especially in the internal rotation/extension combination. What matters is the comparison between both sides and how it evolves over time. What should I do if pain appears during the test? If the subject reports pain (not just muscular tension discomfort) during the maneuver, it's best to refer for a specific shoulder assessment before continuing with mobility tests or upper-body loading.