Special tests thigh & calf

Question 1

What is the bent knee stretch?

Answer 1

• To assess strain and flexibility of the hamstrings
• Pain in the hamstrings and ischial tuberosity indicates a positive test

Question 2

What is the 90-90 straight leg raise test?

Answer 2

• To assess the strain and flexibility of the hamstrings
• For normal flexibility in the hamstrings, the knee should be within 10-15 degree of full extension

Question 3

What is the Ely’s test?

Answer 3

• To assess the strain and flexibility of the rectus femoris
• On knee flexion, the patient hip on the same side spontaneously flexes
• Indicating a tight rectus femoris on the tested side
• Both sides should be tested

Question 4

What is the Thomas test?

Answer 4

• To assess the strain and flexibility of the rectus femoris/psoas
• The patient sits on the edge of the table and flexes on knee to chest as they lay back on the table
• The angle of the knee should remain at 90 degrees when the opposite knee is on the chest
• If the knee raises psoas tightness
• If the root raises rectus femoris tightness