Roos test: How it works and when to see a doctor

The Roos test is a physical provocative test that healthcare professionals use to help diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome, which is a group of conditions that involve the compression of the nerves, arteries, and veins that pass through the space between the collarbone and the first rib.

The Roos test involves a person lifting their arms, so they are outstretched at shoulder height, in a T-like pose. A person then rotates the arms, so their palms are facing in front of them, and flexes their elbows to create a 90° angle with their arms.

The healthcare professional will then ask the person to open and close their hands slowly for 3 minutes.

A person may have thoracic outlet syndrome if they experience numbness or tingling in the fingers or forearm, as well as pain in the neck and shoulder during the test. Sometimes, people may also experience swelling and cyanosis. They may also experience paleness in the hands or arms during the test, and redness or other skin color changes when they lower the hands and arms.

Healthcare professionals may also use other physical provocative tests for diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome such as the Allen test, the Adson test, and the Wright test.

A person may want to consider speaking with a doctor if they experience any symptoms that may indicate thoracic outlet syndrome, such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the shoulder, neck, arms, or hands.