The Upper Limb Tension Tests (ULTTs) are also known as Brachial Plexus Tension tests or Elvey tests. These tests are designed to put stress on the neurological structures of the upper limb. The tests were first described by Elvey and are thus also known as Elvey tests (however, they are most commonly called ULTTs). The shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and fingers are kept in specific positions to put stress on a particular nerve (nerve bias) and further modifications in the position of each joint is done as a “sensitizer”. The ULTTs are equivalent to the straight leg raise designed for the lumbar spine.
Tension tests are performed to evaluate peripheral nerve compression or as a part of neurodynamic assessment. The main reason for using a ULTT is to check cervical radiculopathy. These tests are both diagnostic and therapeutic. Once the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy is made the tests are done to mobilize the entrapped nerve. The test is divided into 4 types and examine different nerves. ULTT 1 is for the Median nerve and the anterior interosseous nerve (C5, C6, C7). ULTT 2 also tests the Median nerve as well as the musculocutaneous nerve and axillary nerve. ULTT 3 tests the Radial nerve while ULTT 4 tests the Ulnar nerve, C8 and T1 nerve root.
It is not uncommon to have multiple scholars or texts differ especially in measurement values due to the differences in subjects’ flexibility or ROM and also, (perhaps inadvertently), errors of measurement. Most texts will offer a range of values for guidance (with many of the ranges in more or less unanimous agreement). I will recommend that you become familiar with value ranges of upper and lower limits (where they are listed) rather than the exact values. This is because the NPTE may not test your knowledge of precise values or measurements – as ‘normal’ values can vary considerably within subjects.
This link provides measurement values as well as videos for each of the ULTT tests. (In this case, the values listed support 10 degrees of shoulder abduction for ULTT 2).
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