Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Lift-off Test

also known as Gerber's test
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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient standing, have them place the dorsum (back) of the hand against the mid-lumbar back, then lift the hand away from the back. A positive test is inability to lift the hand off the back. (The patient needs enough passive internal rotation to reach the starting position.)

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Subacromial Impingement

Lift-off test positive
Rule in
Very helpful
Rule out
Minimally helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Alqunaee M, Galvin R, Fahey T. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for subacromial impingement syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2012;93(2):229-236. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2011.08.035. PMID 22289231. DARE quality-assessed (NBK91532). PRISMA-style systematic review; bivariate random-effects meta-analysis; QUADAS; 10 studies, 1684 patients; arthroscopy or open surgery reference standard.
  • Gerber C, Krushell RJ. Isolated rupture of the tendon of the subscapularis muscle. Clinical features in 16 cases. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1991;73(3):389-394.

Related Diagnoses

Subacromial Impingement

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Drop Arm Test
aka Codman's test
Rule in:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Empty Can Test
aka Jobe's test
Rule in:SHSupraspinatus Tear, MHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, MHSupraspinatus Tear, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hawkins Impingement Sign
aka Hawkins-Kennedy test
Rule in:MHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Neer Impingement Sign
aka Neer test
Rule in:MHRotator Cuff Tear, MHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy +2 more
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Cross-body Adduction Test
aka Scarf test
Rule in:IEAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
Rule out:IEAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Infraspinatus Strength Test
Rule in:SHRotator Cuff Disease, MHInfraspinatus Tendon Tear
Rule out:SHInfraspinatus Tendon Tear, SHRotator Cuff Disease