Slump Test |
Examination type |
Neurological test
|
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
The subject
sits on the end of the table and leans forward.
|
Examiner Position |
The examiner
stands and holds the patient’s head and chin upright. |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Thoracic
spine, lumbar spine, sciatic nerve |
Performing the Test |
The examiner
flexes the subject’s neck and assesses for any changes in
symptoms. If no changes are noted, the examiner passively
extends one of the patient’s knees. Symptomatic changes are
assessed. The examiner then passively dorsiflexes the subject’s
ankle while the knee remains extended. The patient is then
returned to the original “slump” position and the test is
repeated for the other leg. |
Positive Test |
A complaint
of sciatic-type pain or any reproduction of symptom is
indicative of a positive test. |
Interpretation |
When doing
the slump test, the examiner is looking for reproduction of the
patient’s pathological symptoms not just the production of
symptoms. |
Common errors in
performing exam |
Not asking about pain before moving on the each step. If
patient has pain after the first part going on with the test
will only aggravate that person more and cause more pain. |
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
Tight
hamstrings, or other muscular tightness. |
Related tests |
Thomas test |
References |
Special Test
for Orthopedic Examination. 2nd Ed. Pp.
Athletic Injury
Assessment. 4th Ed. Pp. 239
Orthopedic
Physical Assessment. 4th Ed. Pp. 452, 509 |
Links: |
http://www.injuryfree.com/research/research_topics_vascular_claudication.htm
http://members.optusnet.com.au/physio/slump.html
http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/hamstring-rehabilitation.html |
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