Thomas Test
Other Names
- Iliacus Test
- Iliopsoas Test
- Modified Thomas Test
- Hip Flexor Tightness Test
- Hip Flexion Contracture Test
- Iliopsoas Tightness Test
- Iliopsoas Contracture Test
- Supine Hip Flexor Test
- Hip Flexor Length Test
- Classic Thomas Test
- Thomas Hip Flexion Test
- Thomas Iliopsoas Test
Purpose
- Measure the flexibility of the Hip Flexors
- Named after Dr Hugh Owen Thomas[3]
Description
- Patient is supine
- Version 1
- The affected limb is flexed maximally to chest
- Unaffected limb left in extension/ resting position
- Important that lumbar lordosis is flattened out and pelvis is stabilized
- Version 2
- Maximal flexion of both knees towards chest
- Lower affected limb toward the table laterally while maintaining the unaffected limb in maximal flexion
- Measure the length of iliopsoas by the angle of hip flexion
- Positive results
- Unable to maintain their lower back or sacrum against the table on affected side
- Hip has a large posterior tilt (>15°)
- Knee unable to flex more than 80°
Modified Thomas Test
- Similar to standard Thomas test
- However, contralateral leg is allowed to hang down over the edge of the table
Pathology
- Iliotibial Band Tightness, associated with Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Rectus Femoris Tightness
- Iliopsoas Tightness, associated with Hip Flexor Tendonitis
- Quads tightness, associated with Quadriceps Tendonitis
- Snapping Hip Syndrome
Evidence
Hip Extension Deficit
- Vigotsky et al[4]
- Sensitivity: 31.82%
- Speificity: 57.14%
See Also
References
- ↑ Wong, Stephanie E., Charles J. Cogan, and Alan L. Zhang. "Physical examination of the hip: assessment of femoroacetabular impingement, labral pathology, and microinstability." Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 15.2 (2022): 38-52.
- ↑ Peeler, J., and Judy E. Anderson. "Reliability of the Thomas test for assessing range of motion about the hip." Physical Therapy
- ↑ Thomas HO. The classic. Diseases of the hip, knee and ankle joint with their deformities treated by a new and efficient method. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1974 Jul-Aug;(102):4-9.
- ↑ Vigotsky, Andrew D., et al. "The modified Thomas test is not a valid measure of hip extension unless pelvic tilt is controlled." PeerJ 4 (2016): e2325.
Created by:
John Kiel on 14 July 2019 22:59:43
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Last edited:
25 February 2026 20:18:38
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