Ober's Test |
Examination type |
Flexability |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
Side lying towards the
edge of the table with lower leg flexed at the hip and the knee
for stability |
Examiner Position |
Behind patient.
Right hand stabilizing the pelvis. Left hand grasping the knee
while supporting the lower leg with forearm. |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Iliotibial Band, Tensor
Fasciae Latae |
Performing the Test |
Examiner passively
abducts and extends the patient's upper leg with the knee flexed
to 900. Examiner slowly lowers the upper
limb and watches for returning of upper leg to the table. |
Positive Test |
If upper leg remains
abducted and does not fall to the table |
Interpretation |
Contracture, tightness
of the Iliotibial Band/Tensor Fasciae Latae |
Common errors in
performing exam |
Not extending the hip
and/or stabilizing the pelvis. |
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
If neurological signs
(i.e., pain, paresthesia) occur during test, consider pathology
affecting the femoral nerve. Also, if tenderness over the
greater trochanter exists, consider possible trochanteric
bursitis. |
Related tests |
|
References |
Bernier,
Julie N. Quick Reference Dictionary for Athletic Training.
SLACK Incorporated 2002. |
Links: |
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Ober's.mpg
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