Active Straight Leg Raise Test

Other Names

Demonstration of the active straight leg raise test. Note the examiner is measuring range of motion as part of a functional score.

• Active Straight Leg Raise Test
• Active Assisted SLR test

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Purpose

• Evaluate the Sacroiliac Joint as a cause of a patients back pain

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Description

• The patient is in a supine position
• Patient actively raises legs separately without bending knee
• Positive test
  • Pelvic/SIJ pain with SLR
  • Often associated with hip/leg weakness

Modifications

• Active Assisted SLR test
  • Apply pelvic stabilization and repeat the primary test
  • Symptoms often improve
• Weakness should be scored on a scale of 0-4
  • 0 no restriction
  • 1 decreased ability to raise leg but no visible deficit
  • 2 decreased ability to raise leg with signs of deficit
  • 3 inability to raise leg
• Note velocity of movement, tremors, trunk rotation, verbal or nonverbal emotional expressions

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Pathology

• Sacroiliac Joint Pain
• Sacroiliitis

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Back Pain (Main)
• Physical Exam Back

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