What is the make test procedure for elbow flexors?

What is the make test procedure for elbow flexors?

• A. Elbow flexed; the examiner applies a fixed resistance and the patient attempts to increase force against it without moving
• B. The elbow flexed; the patient attempts to move through ROM against resistance
• C. The elbow extended; fixed resistance and movement through ROM
• D. The elbow pronated; the patient resists with the hand

Answer: (A)

The make test for elbow flexors is about generating force against a fixed resistance without moving the joint. In this setup, the elbow is flexed (around 90 degrees) and the examiner provides a constant, immovable resistance against the forearm. The patient actively contracts the elbow flexors and tries to increase force, but the elbow stays in position—producing an isometric contraction. This contrasts with moving through the range against resistance, which would be a dynamic or break-type approach rather than a make test. Extending the elbow would recruit the opposite muscle group (elbow extensors), and pronating the forearm changes which muscles are emphasized and isn’t the standard fixed-resistance, no-movement setup for testing elbow flexors.

The make test for elbow flexors is about generating force against a fixed resistance without moving the joint. In this setup, the elbow is flexed (around 90 degrees) and the examiner provides a constant, immovable resistance against the forearm. The patient actively contracts the elbow flexors and tries to increase force, but the elbow stays in position—producing an isometric contraction. This contrasts with moving through the range against resistance, which would be a dynamic or break-type approach rather than a make test. Extending the elbow would recruit the opposite muscle group (elbow extensors), and pronating the forearm changes which muscles are emphasized and isn’t the standard fixed-resistance, no-movement setup for testing elbow flexors.