In the wall push up test, what observation is used to assess scapular control?

In the wall push up test, what observation is used to assess scapular control?

• A. The examiner measures scapular rotation with a goniometer.
• B. The patient performs a resisted push up to test serratus anterior.
• C. The examiner observes scapular medial border movement during wall push ups.
• D. The patient completes the test with hands placed on a chair.

Answer: (C)

The test checks how smoothly and stably the scapula moves as the arms push against a surface. In a proper wall push-up, the scapula should stay in contact with the rib cage and rotate upward without the medial border bulging away from the thorax. Observing the scapular medial border during the movement directly reveals this control: if the medial border wings or lifts away, it signals poor neuromuscular control of the periscapular muscles, such as the serratus anterior, and indicates scapular dyskinesis. Measuring scapular rotation with a goniometer would quantify motion but not capture the quality of control during the movement. A resisted push-up to test serratus anterior focuses more on strength rather than the observable control during a movement pattern. Using hands on a chair changes the mechanics of the task and isn’t the standard observation for this screening.

The test checks how smoothly and stably the scapula moves as the arms push against a surface. In a proper wall push-up, the scapula should stay in contact with the rib cage and rotate upward without the medial border bulging away from the thorax. Observing the scapular medial border during the movement directly reveals this control: if the medial border wings or lifts away, it signals poor neuromuscular control of the periscapular muscles, such as the serratus anterior, and indicates scapular dyskinesis.

Measuring scapular rotation with a goniometer would quantify motion but not capture the quality of control during the movement. A resisted push-up to test serratus anterior focuses more on strength rather than the observable control during a movement pattern. Using hands on a chair changes the mechanics of the task and isn’t the standard observation for this screening.