Assessing the Effects of Scapular Positioning on the Morphology of the Median Nerve During Upper Limb Tension Test 1 (ULTT1)

Abstract

Objective: The upper limb tension test 1 (ULTT1) is commonly used by physical therapists for patients with complaints of radiating symptoms in their upper extremity following the path of the median nerve. Clinicians typically perform similar testing positions for patients, except for scapular position, which may vary between scapular blocking and scapular depression. This may alter the test results based on this positioning. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in median nerve morphology during the ULTT1 between resting and two scapular testing positions. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy participants, 18 to 65 years of age, were tested using the ULTT1 in both blocked and depressed scapular positions. The height and width of the median nerve were measured by diagnostic sonography. Paired t tests were utilized to compare baseline, blocked, and depressed scapular positions with the ULTT1. Results: No statistically significant difference in height or width was found between resting, blocked, or depressed scapular positioning. Conclusion: There were inconclusive results regarding the morphology of the median nerve in this study. Key Takeaways Inconclusive results on nerve morphology comparing two scapular positions during the ULTT1. Research may be conducted on symptomatic patients to assist with more reliable test findings related to ULTT1.