Speeds Test for Long Head of the Biceps Tendinopathy

Speed’s test (for bicipital tendinopathy)
Test Procedure:
• Client actively flexes GH joint to 90°, elbow extended, forearm supinated. Examiner resists flexion, applying pressure to the distal forearm.
Positive results:
• Pain in the bicipital groove
Negative Results:
• No pain
Implications of positive test result:
• SLAP lesion or bicipital tendinopathy
Psychometric Properties for LH biceps tendinopathy: (Cleland et al., 2022)
Sensitivity: 0.49 Specificity: 0.67
LR+: 1.48 LR-: 0.76
(Note that the above numbers indicate that Speed's is minimally helpful for diagnosing LHB tendinopathy)
Psychometric Properties for SLAP: (Cleland et al., 2022)
Sensitivity: 0.32 Specificity: 0.61
LR+: 0.80 LR-: 1.11
*(Note that the above numbers indicate that Speed's is worse than worthless for diagnosing a SLAP lesion)