Thomas Test For Hip Flexors

The Thomas Test is used to assess the flexibility and function of the hip flexors and quadriceps muscles. The hip flexor muscles flex the hip, or lift the knee forwards and upwards. They include the iliopsoas muscle group, rectus femoris, and occasionally the sartorius muscle.

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This is important in sports medicince because they have an influence on overal posture and as a result, susceptibility to certain injuries.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how the Thomas Test is performed:

  1. Patient Positioning: The patient lies on their back on an examination table, with their legs hanging off the edge of the table at the knee.
  2. Test Execution: The patient brings one knee towards their chest, holding it with their hands to keep the lower back flat against the table. This position flattens the lumbar spine and eliminates the normal lordotic curve, which is important for isolating the hip flexors.
  3. Observation: The examiner observes the position of the opposite leg (the one not being held). In a person with normal hip flexor flexibility, the thigh should remain in contact with the table, and the knee should hang down towards the floor without significant resistance. The angle between the thigh and the table should ideally be 90 degrees or more, indicating no hip flexor tightness.
  4. Assessment: If the opposite thigh lifts off the table or the knee extends due to tightness, it suggests that the hip flexors (typically the iliopsoas and/or rectus femoris) are tight. The degree of lift off the table can give an indication of the severity of the tightness.
  5. Bilateral Examination: It’s important to perform the test on both legs to compare the flexibility of the hip flexors on each side.

The Thomas Test is a simple, non-invasive way to evaluate hip flexor tightness. However, its interpretation should be part of a comprehensive physical examination. it is important to also consider other factors. For example, overall posture, muscle strength, and the presence of any hip or spinal pathology.

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