Which statement best describes the full can test position?

Which statement best describes the full can test position?

• A. Arms are elevated to 90 degrees in scapular plane with palms facing forward.
• B. Arms are elevated in scapular plane with thumbs up while downward resistance is applied.
• C. Arms are abducted to 180 degrees with elbows extended and resisted.
• D. Arms are at 0 degrees adduction with internal rotation.

Answer: (B)

The test aims to load the supraspinatus tendon while the shoulder is in a position that minimizes other muscle contributions, helping to detect rotator cuff pathology. In the full can position, the arm is moved into the scapular plane (about 30–45 degrees anterior to the frontal plane) and elevated to 90 degrees with the thumb pointing upward. Downward resistance is then applied. This setup best isolates the supraspinatus muscle, making weakness or pain due to supraspinatus issues more evident. That’s why the statement describing arms elevated in the scapular plane with thumbs up while downward resistance is applied is the best match. The other descriptions either place the arm in a different rotation or plane, use a different degree of abduction, or involve internal rotation, which changes which structures are stressed and reduces the test’s ability to specifically assess the supraspinatus.

The test aims to load the supraspinatus tendon while the shoulder is in a position that minimizes other muscle contributions, helping to detect rotator cuff pathology.

In the full can position, the arm is moved into the scapular plane (about 30–45 degrees anterior to the frontal plane) and elevated to 90 degrees with the thumb pointing upward. Downward resistance is then applied. This setup best isolates the supraspinatus muscle, making weakness or pain due to supraspinatus issues more evident.

That’s why the statement describing arms elevated in the scapular plane with thumbs up while downward resistance is applied is the best match. The other descriptions either place the arm in a different rotation or plane, use a different degree of abduction, or involve internal rotation, which changes which structures are stressed and reduces the test’s ability to specifically assess the supraspinatus.