To measure the zipper test, which assesses shoulder flexibility, follow these steps:
- You will need a ruler or tape measure and a partner to assist with measurement.
- To test the right shoulder:
- Raise your right arm, bend your elbow, and reach down behind your back over your right shoulder as far as possible.
- Extend your left arm down and behind your back, bend the elbow, and reach up behind your back to try to touch or overlap your fingers with those of your right hand, simulating pulling a zipper.
- Your partner will observe if the fingertips touch, overlap, or are apart.
- If the fingertips touch or overlap, record this as a positive score.
- If they do not touch, measure the gap between the middle fingertips using the ruler or tape measure and record the distance in centimeters.
- Repeat the procedure for the left shoulder by switching arm positions.
- The test can be scored on a scale where overlapping fingers indicate good flexibility, touching fingertips indicate moderate flexibility, and a gap indicates limited flexibility. The gap distance can be used to quantify the flexibility level
This test is useful for evaluating the flexibility of the shoulder girdle, including the clavicle and scapula areas. It is often done twice per shoulder to ensure accuracy and to avoid pain or discomfort during the test
