Cyriax Release Test for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neurogenic disputed type)

Cyriax Release test (Brismée et al., 2004)
Test Procedure:
• Pt. sits relaxed on mat table with therapist behind; therapist grasps forearms (careful to not compress cubital tunnel!) and passively elevates arms and shoulders for 60 seconds.
Positive results:
• A positive test is when the patient’s symptoms are reproduced (or in mild cases, the pt’s sx go away).
Negative Results:
• No change in sx. Note the time of day-a false negative is more likely earlier in the morning.
Implications of positive test result:
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
Psychometric Properties: Specificity 97% (Brismée et al., 2004)
Brismée, J.-M., Gilbert, K., Isom, K., Hall, R., Leathers, B., Sheppard, N., . . . Sizer, P. (2004). Rate of false positive using the cyriax release test for thoracic outlet syndrome in an asymptomatic population. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 12(2), 73-81. doi:10.1179/106698104790825374

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Thank you, Dr.Borst!