How do you perform the Press Test (Sit-to-Stand)?

Action: Patient sits in a chair with armrests. Ask them to push themselves up using their hands (wrists extended).

What is a positive result for the Press Test (Sit-to-Stand)?

Positive Test: Significant ulnar-sided wrist pain that prevents the patient from lifting their weight.Why: Weight-bearing extends the wrist and axially loads the ulnar side.

Press Test (Sit-to-Stand) – Wrist & Hand Special Test

What is it used for?

Functional test for TFCC Tear.

How to Perform

Action: Patient sits in a chair with armrests. Ask them to push themselves up using their hands (wrists extended).

Interpretation of Results

Positive Test: Significant ulnar-sided wrist pain that prevents the patient from lifting their weight.
Why: Weight-bearing extends the wrist and axially loads the ulnar side.

Diagnostic Accuracy

Sensitivity: 100%

Clinical Context & Limitations

The Press Test (Sit-to-Stand) should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.

Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Wrist & Hand region, combining the Press Test (Sit-to-Stand) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.