Hawkins Kennedy Test | Shoulder Impingement Test

The Hawkins Kennedy test is used to identify subacromial impingement of the supraspinatus tendon. This test is often used in combination with the Painful Arc Sign and Infraspinatus muscle test as a combination test for impingement.

How to Perform Hawkins Kennedy Test
Performance: The examiner flexes the humerus and elbow to 90 degrees and internally rotates the shoulder, applying overpressure at end range.

Positive Finding: The test is considered positive if the patient experiences pain during the exam. The Hawkins Kennedy test is considered a highly sensitive test, which means a negative test suggests impingement is unlikely.

Test Accuracy / Reliability / Evidence:
Hawkins Kennedy test Sensitivity and Specificity
Sensitivity = 0.74
Specificity = 0.57
+LR = 1.7
- LR = 0.46

Source: Alqunaee M, Galvin R, and Fahey T: Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for subacromial impingement syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2012; 93: pp. 229-236