ormalization of the subscapularis belly-press test

t p t w i c w he purpose of this report is to document the normal ange of the subscapularis belly-press test and to dene factors that influence it to aid in the assessment of ubscapularis function in relevant shoulder pathology nd procedures. Both shoulders in 204 patients with o history of shoulder problems were tested with an sobex machine. Patients were educated on proper echnique before testing. Height, weight, age, hand ominance, and gender were all recorded. All meaured values were recorded in kilograms. Women had mean belly-press strength (mean of both arms) of .1 1.9 kg, which was significantly less than the en’s strength of 8.4 2.5 kg (P .001). The mean ifference in belly-press strength between the dominant rm (6.7 kg) and nondominant arm (6.5 kg) was small 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.4 kg). Multiple reression analysis revealed that mean belly-press trength was significantly related to gender (P 001), height (P .006), and weight (P .001) but ot age (P .320). The belly-press test evaluation for ubscapularis strength can be normalized across an verage population by gender, height, and weight. and dominance and age do not factor in signifiantly. This test can be useful in evaluating the preoprative and postoperative status of the subscapularis in elevant shoulder injuries and procedures. (J Shoulder lbow Surg 2007;16:403-407.)