1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Physical Therapy

Special Tests of the Lower Extremity

by Laura Inverarity, D.O.
for About.com

Updated September 12, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

4 of 4

Thomas Test


The Thomas test evaluation fexion contracture of the iliopsoas muscle.
The test is performed as follows:
Have the patient upine on the exam table
Flex the hip and knee on the side NOT being tested, and have the patient hold their knee against their chest
The non-flexed leg is examined
A positive test result occurs if this leg raises off the table, indicating a flexion contracture of the iliopsoas muscle.
Explore Physical Therapy
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Physical Therapy
  4. Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  5. Lower Extremity Special Tests

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.