What should the therapist provide during the Scapular Retraction Test?

During the Scapular Retraction Test, the therapist should provide stabilization of the clavicle and scapula to ensure accurate assessment of scapular motion and stability. This stabilization allows the therapist to isolate the movements occurring at the scapula and assess the patient's ability to control shoulder and scapular mechanics effectively during retraction. By stabilizing these structures, the therapist can observe the quality of the scapular motion without the influence of compensatory movements or instability, leading to a more precise evaluation of underlying functional issues related to scapular positioning and coordination.

Other options, while they may have relevance in different contexts, do not specifically address the need for stabilization during this particular test. For instance, tactile cues might assist a patient in understanding where to focus their efforts but do not provide the same level of control over the motion being tested. Likewise, supporting under the elbow or providing resistance during shoulder movements would not directly assist in evaluating scapular retraction, which is the primary aim of this assessment.