Roos Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 1
Roos Test

What is the "Roos Test" used for?

It is also referred to as the hands-up test, or the elevated arm stress test, it's used for:

  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

How to perform the "Roos Test"?

  • The patient is positioned sitting.
  • The arm is positioned in 90 degrees of shoulder abduction, and 90 degrees of elbow flexion.
  • The patient is asked to perform slow finger clenching for 3 minutes.
  • The radial pulse may be reduced or obliterated during this maneuver, and an infraclavicular bruit may be heard.
  • The patient is encouraged to describe any sensation felt during this process.

What is the positive result?

  • If the patient is unable to maintain the arms in the start position for 3 minutes, diminished motor function of the hands, or reports pain, heaviness, or numbness and tingling, the test is considered positive for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome TOS on the involved side.

Test Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 0.52-0.84
  • Specificity: 0.30-1.00

References

  • Roos Test – Orthofixar
  • Roos OB. Historical perspectives and anatomic considerations. Thoracic outlet syndrome. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. l 996;8(2) : 183-189.
  • Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention 3rd Edition.