Spine Lab: Flexibility Testing

Question 1

In Thomas testing, describe how a normal test would look

Answer 1

• supine with low back, sacrum, and posterior thigh touching the table
• outstretched leg flexed approximately 80 degrees
• the other leg is pulled in towards the chest

Question 2

In Thomas testing, describe shortness of 1 joint and 2 joint hip flexors

Answer 2

• with the low back and sacrum flat on the table
  
  • the posterior thigh doesn’t touch and
  • the knee extends

Question 3

If, during Thomas testing, you notice the patients hip flexes 15 degrees and the knee is flexed at 70 degrees, how would you document the flexibility?

Answer 3

• 1 Joint Hip Flexors - lack 15 degrees
• 2 Joint Hip Flexors - lack 25 degrees
  
  • 15 at the hip, 10 at the knee

Question 4

In Thomas testing, describe normal 1 Jt Hip Flexors and short 2 Jt Hip Flexors

Answer 4

• with the low back and sacrum flat on the table
  
  • the posterior thigh touches the table
  • the knee extends

Question 5

In Thomas testing, describe short 1 joint hip flexors and normal two joint hip flexors

Answer 5

• the low back and sacrum are flat on the table
  
  • the posterior thigh comes off the table
  • the knee flexes past 80 degrees

Question 6

what is a normal straight leg raise test?

Answer 6

• patient supine with low back and sacrum flat on the table
• SLR to 80

Question 7

what is a normal forward bending (sit and reach) test?

Answer 7

• similar to SLR, sacrum flexed 80 from horizontal

Question 8

what does excessive hamstring length look like?

Answer 8

SLR without compensations past 80 degrees hip flexion

Question 9

how can hamstrings be normal length, but appear to be short? In other words, what causes this discrepancy?

Answer 9

• shortness of one joint hip flexors starts the pelvis in APT therefore it is possible to have normal hamstrings that appear short

Question 10

how can hamstrings be excessive in length but appear to be normal?

Answer 10

similar to normal hamstrings that appear short, one joint hip flexor shortness will APT the pelvis

Question 11

if you have short hamstrings, what is a compensation that will make it appear that they are longer?

Answer 11

PPT will bring your leg higher, appearing as though you have more flexibility

Question 12

If a patient has known, short hip flexors, how can you accurately screen for hamstring flexiblity?

Answer 12

place a bolster under their knee