Muscle Length Testing
Muscle Length TestingMuscle LengthContracture
assessmentEssential in treatmentSpecific testsMuscle LengthThomas
testElys testStraight Leg RaiseOber testThomas TestLength test for
hip flexors(Illiacus, psoas major, rectus femoris, TFL)
-Normal: thigh flat on table(10 degrees hip extension) and 80
degrees knee flexion with femur in sagittal plane
-Postural fault with tight hip flexors: Increased lumbar
lordosis and anterior tilt
Elys Test-Length test for hip flexors(iliacus, psoas major,
rectus femoris, TFL)
-pt. prone
-Pelvis should remain on floor with no flexion at hip. If hip
flexes while knee is flexed, a tightness in the rectus femoris is
indicated. Knee should bend freely to 135 degrees or heel should
touch buttocks.
Straight Leg Raise (SLR)-Lenght test for hip
extensors(Hamstrings: semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps
femoris)
-Lumbar and pelvic position important
-Normal: 70-80 degrees hip flexion with knee extended
Ober test-Length test for TFL and IT Band
-Side-lying, pelvis stabilized. Passive hip extension until
pelvis tilts, then allow adduction if possible.
-Normal: 10 degrees hip adduction with neutral pelvis and
femoral alignment
Why is this important?Why do we care about the length of a
muscle?
How does it affect our treatment/design?
What can we do when muscles are short?What can we do?Patient
educationPT referralAccommodate in orthosis/prosthesis
Note in fileFuture treatmentAssess progress improving or
worsening
What happens if we dont assess this?What issues can result from
decreased muscle length?
What happens if we dont assess this?PressurePainSkin
breakdown
Gait deviations
PracticePartner upAssess on one another
