FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS: POSTURE, MOVEMENT, CORE, BALANCE, AND FLEXIBILITY
CHAPTER 7
THOMAS TEST FOR HIP FLEXION/QUADRICEPS LENGTH Objective: To assess the length of the muscles involved in hip flexion. This test
can actually assess the length of the primary hip flexors. • Hip flexors or iliopsoas • Rectus femoris (one of the four quadriceps muscles)
This test should not be conducted on clients suffering from low-back pain, unless cleared by their physician. Equipment: • Stable table Instructions: • Given the nature of the movement associated with this test, trainers may want to consider draping a towel over the client’s groin area.
• Explain the objective of the test and allow a warm-up. • Instruct the client to sit at the end of a table with the mid-thigh aligned with the table edge (Figure 7-36). Place one hand behind the client’s back and the other under his or her thigh.
• While supporting the client, instruct him or her to flex one thigh toward the chest and gradually assist as he or she rolls to the table top with back and shoulders flat. ü Instruct the client to continue to pull one knee toward the chest only until the low back is flat (Figure 7-37).
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Figure 7-36 Thomas test: Starting position
Figure 7-37 Thomas test: Test position
Observations: • Observe whether the back of the lowered thigh touches the table (hips positioned in 10 degrees of extension).
• Observe whether the knee of the lowered leg achieves 80 degrees of flexion. • Observe whether the knee remains aligned straight or falls into internal or external rotation. General interpretations: • Use the information provided in Table 7-14 to determine the location and identity of the tight or limiting muscles.
