How to test for the long thoracic nerve
The long thoracic nerve supplies the serratus anterior muscle. Its root value is C5, C6andC7. Serratus anterior is one of the main muscle for overhead abduction. So we can test the long thoracic nerve by asking the patient to abduct his arms overhead and forward pressure with the hands against a wall, or against resistance offered by examiner. B D Chaurasia 7th edition Page no : 46 and 47.
Touch the opposite shoulder
Shoulder shrug
Raise the arm above the head
Lift an object from the ground
Upper limb