MUSCLE LENGTH TESTING

Question 1

explain how to test gastroc tightness

Answer 1

they are in short seated, measure dorsi
then do SLR and measure dorsi
take the difference

Question 2

explain screen for tight RF

Answer 2

 Assess lumbar spine curve standing and tall kneeling. (getting on a table on knees, if lumbar area excessively goes into lordosis then this is indicative of tight RF)
 Positive: patient does exhibit excessive lordosis on “tall kneeling” but not in standing

Question 3

Elys test

Answer 3

tests for tight RF (prone heel to butt) (dont let them ant tilt pelvis)

Question 4

explain obers test

Answer 4

sidelying
stabalize with one hand at hip
flex knee to 90 with other hand (kind of cup under knee)
ext and adduct their hip and see if leg drops or knee ext

Question 5

thomas test specifics

Answer 5

If leg reaches the table but then knee extends – tight rf

If leg can reach the table with knee straight =rf

If you take them in to some abd and can get lower =tfl

If you cant get to table at all – you know iliopsoas is tight

Question 6

progression of the neuro exam

Answer 6

Start with one legged calf raise 10 times (this is S1 –gastroc)(do both sides)
L2 - Then have pt supine and resist hip flexion grossly (you grasp from under thigh and clasp hands over top of thigh)
L3 – preventing knee ext (put one arm under bend of knee)
L4 – preventing ant tib motion (resist foot up and in)
L5 – preventing (resisting) toe ext
S1 – resisting peroneals (resist straight eversion)
S2 – resist toe curl (all at once)
Then move to Supine sensation testing

Sensation testing on the skin/Light touch with reflex hammer (just light touch)
L1 – (high groin)
L2 – mid thigh
L3- medial thigh
L4- top of knee
L5  - top of foot
S1 -peroneals
S2 - popliteal region

Then after you do single sides, do both at same time and ask (does this feel the same on both sides)
Still supine:
Reflexes: with hammer/ do 5-6 times and compare both sides
L3/L4 patellar
S1 – Achilles
L5 hamstrings (supine or prone, medial tendon – semitendonosis)

Then switch them to prone and test resisted hamstrings (knee flexion) S1/S2
Then resist hip ext.