Muscle length tests

Question 1

Pectoralis major upper fibres

Answer 1

crook lying. Arm in 135º abduction, elbow extended, shoulder in external rotation
Normal length: arm drops to table level

Question 2

Pectoralis major lower fibres

Answer 2

crook lying. Arm in horizontal abduction, elbow extended, shoulder in external rotation (palm upwards).
Normal length: full horizontal abduction with ER, arm flat on table

Question 3

Latissimus dorsi

Answer 3

crook lying. Arms by side, elbows extended. Pt raises both arms in flexion overhead, keep arms close to head
Normal length- ability to bring arms down to table level whilst keeping close to head

Question 4

Hamstrings

Answer 4

supine, legs extended, Lx flat. Lift opposite leg, foot relaxed, knee in extension.
Normal length: 80º hip flexion

Question 5

Popliteal angle

Answer 5

Supine, 90º hip flexion, opposite leg in extension. Passively extend knee as far as you can without moving pelvis. Measure knee position between tibia and vertical.

Question 6

Hip flexors

Answer 6

Thomas test stretch. Seated on end of plinth. Pt one knee to chest and supported into back lying. LX just flat.
Normal length (1 joint flexors): lower thigh touches plinth and knee passively flexes to 80º.
Shortness of 1 and 2 joint flexors: Lower thigh cannot touch plinth and the knee extends.
Normal length of 1 joint flexors, and shortness of 2 joint hip flexors: Lower thigh touches the plinth. Passive knee extension less than 80 °.
Shortness of 1 joint flexors but no shortness of 2 joint flexors Posterior thigh does not touch the plinth, knee can be flexed beyond 80°.

Question 7

Rectus femoris

Answer 7

Prone knee bend. Prone, passively flex one knee and stop when pelvis starts to move.