9.1: Part A- (Apley) Back Scratch Test

Part A- (Apley) Back Scratch Test

The Back Scratch test will measure two different things in each arm, so it is important to do the test with both arms in the different positions. The first arm goes behind the head and the person is trying to touch the superior portion of the opposite side scapula. This measures the abduction and external rotation of that arm. The other hand reaches low and attempts to touch the inferior aspect of the opposite side scapula. This measures the adduction, and internal rotation of that arm. You would then measure the distance between the middle fingers. If there is overlap, you measure this as a positive value and if the hands don’t touch that distance is a negative value. Note the scales presented are for elderly individuals and the range is from above average to below average.