Which test would you use to assess hip flexor tightness?

• A. Thomas Test
• B. Sit and Reach Test
• C. Stand and Reach Test
• D. Back Scratch Test

Answer: (A)

Hip flexor tightness is assessed by how lengthened the hip flexor muscles are when one leg is extended and the other knee is drawn toward the chest. The Thomas Test is used for this because it isolates the hip flexors and shows whether they are limiting the leg’s position. In this test, the person lies on their back, brings one knee toward the chest, and lets the other leg rest flat on the table. If the leg on the table stays flat and the hip of the knee-is-chest leg can drop toward the table, the hip flexors are relatively flexible. If that opposite leg lifts off the table or the pelvis tilts, it indicates tight hip flexors, such as the iliopsoas. This is different from the Sit and Reach (which mainly checks hamstrings and lower back), Stand and Reach (general forward flexibility), or Back Scratch (shoulder/upper back flexibility).