During serratus anterior testing, where should you palpate to assess activation?

• A. Over the spine
• B. Lateral border
• C. Medial border of the scapula
• D. Over the clavicle

Answer: (C)

The muscle being tested is the serratus anterior, which is responsible for protracting and stabilizing the scapula against the thorax. To assess its activation, palpate where the muscle belly runs and inserts on the scapula: along the anterior surface of the medial border. As the patient performs a resisted scapular protraction (such as a wall push or pushing forward against resistance), you should feel the serratus anterior contracting under the fingers at the medial border of the scapula. Palpating over the spine, the clavicle, or the lateral border won’t reliably detect this muscle’s activation, making the medial border the best site to assess.