Chapter 7 - Flexibility/Muscle Length

Question 1

Thomas Test: Objective

Answer 1

To assess the length of the muscles involved in hip flexion. (Do not use on clients with low back pain)

Question 2

Thomas Test: back of the lowered thigh does not touch the table and the knee does not flex to 80 degrees: muscle tightness?

Answer 2

primary hip flexor muscles

Question 3

Thomas Test: the back of the lowered thigh does not touch the table but the knee does flex to 80 degrees: muscle tightness?

Answer 3

iliopsoas

which is preventing the hip from rotating posteriorly and inhibiting the thigh from being able to touch the table

Question 4

Thomas Test: the back of the lowered thigh does touch the table but the knee does not flex to 80 degrees. muscle tightness?

Answer 4

rectus femoris

which does not allow the knee to bend

Question 5

passive straight leg raise (PSL) test: purpose

Answer 5

to assess the length of the hamstrings

Question 6

passive straight leg raise test: the raised leg achieves >/ 80 degrees of movement

Answer 6

normal hamstring length

Question 7

passive straight leg raise: the raises leg achieves <80 degrees of movement

Answer 7

tight hamstrings

Question 8

Shoulder Flexion: Range of Motion?

Answer 8

170-180 degrees

Question 9

Shoulder Flexion: How to test?

Answer 9

lay supine on floor with back flat and bent knee position.
hold neutral spine
raise both arms at once, moving them overhead, keeping them close to the head, and bringing them down to touch the floor or as close as possible

Question 10

shoulder flexion test: inability to flex the shoulders to 170 degrees or discrepancies between the limbs

Answer 10

potential tightness in the pectoralis major/minor, latissimus dorsi, teres major, rhomboids, subscapularis

Question 11

shoulder flexion test: tightness in the latissimus dorsi will force…

Answer 11

the low back to arch

Question 12

shoulder flexion test: tightness in the pectoralis minor

Answer 12

may tilt scapulae forward (anterior tilt) and prevent arms from touching floor

Question 13

shoulder extension test: how to test?

Answer 13

lie prone, extending both legs and arms at sides.

raise both arms simultaneously into extension, lifting them off the mat

Question 14

shoulder extension: Range Of Motion

Answer 14

50-60 degrees

Question 15

shoulder extension test: inability to extend the shoulders to 50 degrees or discrepancies between the limbs

Answer 15

potential tightness in pectoralis major, abdominals, subscapularis, biceps brachii

Question 16

external/lateral rotation test: ability to externally rotate the forearms 90 degrees to touch the mat

Answer 16

good mobility in the internal (medial) rotators, allowing the joint to move through the full range of motion

Question 17

external/lateral rotation test: inability to reach the floor or discrepancies between the limbs

Answer 17

potential tightness in internal rotators of the arm (subscapularis)

Question 18

internal/medial rotation test: ability to internally rotate the forearms 70 degrees toward the mat (forearms are 20 degrees of the mat)

Answer 18

good mobility in the external rotators, allowing the joint to move through full range

Question 19

internal/medial rotation test: inability to rotate the forearms 70 degrees, or discrepancies between the limbs

Answer 19

potential tightness in the external rotators of the arm (infraspinatus and teres minor)

Question 20

where is the arm/shoulder positioned when it is doing shoulder flexion, external rotation, and scapular abduction

Answer 20

overhead and behind the head reaching for opposite superior scapula

Question 21

where is the arm/shoulder positioned when it is doing shoulder extension, internal rotation, and scapular adduction

Answer 21

under and behind the back reaching up to touch opposite scapula