Power Testing: Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Test (CKCUET)

The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test assesses upper-limb stability, power endurance and trunk control during repeated alternating hand touches in a push-up position.

Introduction

A client may have full shoulder range and good isolated strength but still struggle to support body weight through the arms. The CKCUEST provides a practical way to assess closed-chain upper-limb function.

Quick Summary

Test name: Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test
Also known as: CKCUEST, CKC Upper Extremity Test
Purpose: Assess upper-limb closed-chain function
What it assesses: Shoulder stability, upper-limb power endurance, trunk control and coordination
Equipment: Tape markers, timer, floor space
Key finding: Number of alternating touches in 15 seconds
Best used with: Shoulder strength, grip strength, med ball throw, pain and ROM testing
Key limitation: Influenced by body mass, trunk control, pain and hand spacing

What Is the CKCUEST?

The MAT page identifies the CKCUEST as a Power Testing upper-limb assessment.   In the standard test, the client assumes a push-up position with hands placed a fixed distance apart and alternately touches the opposite hand as many times as possible in 15 seconds.

Why It Is Used

It is used to assess upper-limb function under bodyweight loading. It may be useful for athletes, shoulder rehabilitation clients and clients returning to pushing, landing or weight-bearing tasks.

What It Measures

It measures repeated closed-chain upper-limb touches, trunk control and shoulder stability. It does not diagnose shoulder pathology.

Who It Is Useful For

Upper-limb athletes, contact sport athletes, gym-based clients, shoulder rehabilitation clients and clients returning to weight-bearing upper-limb activity.

Equipment Required

Flat floor
Tape markers
Stopwatch
Measurz or MAT
Optional mat or modified position if appropriate

Step-by-Step Protocol

Mark two hand positions according to the selected protocol.

The client assumes a push-up position.

On “go”, they alternately touch the opposite hand as many times as possible.

Continue for 15 seconds.

Count valid touches.

Repeat for multiple trials with rest if needed.

Record pain, fatigue and technique.

Scoring and Interpretation

The primary score is total touches in 15 seconds. Some practitioners also calculate normalised score based on body size or power score, but only use formulas when your protocol supports them.

A higher score may suggest better upper-limb closed-chain performance, provided trunk and shoulder control are maintained.

Normative Data or Reference Values

Norms vary by age, sex, athletic population, body size and protocol. Use matched references cautiously.

Reliability and Validity

CKCUEST reliability is supported in shoulder and sports rehabilitation literature, but interpretation depends on exact setup, hand spacing and population.

Sensitivity and Specificity

Not applicable for routine use unless using a validated population-specific screening cut-off. Do not use as a stand-alone diagnostic test.

Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include changing hand spacing, sagging hips, rotating excessively, counting missed touches, not recording pain and using different push-up modifications between sessions.

Practical Applications

Use the CKCUEST to monitor upper-limb closed-chain function, return-to-push progress, shoulder rehabilitation and sport-specific readiness as part of a wider battery.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record hand spacing, position, touch count, trial number, pain, fatigue, trunk control, scapular control, compensation notes and related shoulder strength/ROM findings.

FAQs

What does the CKCUEST measure?

Upper-limb closed-chain function, shoulder stability and repeated touch capacity.

How long is the test?

The standard version is commonly 15 seconds.

Is it diagnostic?

No. It supports functional assessment but does not diagnose shoulder pathology.

Can it be modified?

Yes, but modifications must be recorded and not compared directly with the standard version.

Key Takeaways

The CKCUEST assesses closed-chain upper-limb function.
Hand spacing and timing must be standardised.
Record pain and trunk control.
Use with shoulder strength, ROM and function tests.

References

Goldbeck, T. G., & Davies, G. J. (2000). Test-retest reliability of the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 9(1), 35–45.

Tucci, H. T., Martins, J., Sposito, G. C., Camarini, P. M. F., & de Oliveira, A. S. (2014). Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test: A reliability study in persons with and without shoulder impingement syndrome. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-15-1