Elbow extensor (triceps) strength testing involves which action?

Elbow extensor (triceps) strength testing involves which action?

• A. Elbow flexion against resistance at the distal forearm; stabilize the upper arm.
• B. Elbow extension against resistance applied to the posterior forearm; stabilize the upper arm to prevent shoulder or trunk movement.
• C. Forearm supination against resistance at the wrist.
• D. Elbow extension against resistance at the anterior forearm.

Answer: (B)

Testing elbow extensor strength focuses on isolating the triceps by asking the patient to straighten the elbow against resistance. The resistance is applied to the posterior aspect of the forearm so the force works with the triceps’ direction of pull as it extends the elbow. Stabilizing the upper arm prevents movement at the shoulder or trunk, which could recruit other muscles and skew the results. This setup specifically targets elbow extension rather than flexion (which uses the anterior forearm and targets the biceps) or forearm rotation (which involves different muscles). Applying resistance on the posterior forearm with arm stabilization provides the most accurate measure of the triceps’ strength.

Testing elbow extensor strength focuses on isolating the triceps by asking the patient to straighten the elbow against resistance. The resistance is applied to the posterior aspect of the forearm so the force works with the triceps’ direction of pull as it extends the elbow. Stabilizing the upper arm prevents movement at the shoulder or trunk, which could recruit other muscles and skew the results. This setup specifically targets elbow extension rather than flexion (which uses the anterior forearm and targets the biceps) or forearm rotation (which involves different muscles). Applying resistance on the posterior forearm with arm stabilization provides the most accurate measure of the triceps’ strength.