Purpose: To assess the strength of the trunk and hip flexors.
Test Position: Hooklying.
Performing the Test: The examiner stabilizes the feet of the patient. The patient maintains arms straight ahead and performs a sit up. The fingers of the patient are to touch (not hold on) both knees and maintain that position for 5 seconds. A positive test is when the patient is unable to maintain that position for 5 seconds.
Diagnostic Accuracy: Unknown.
Importance of Test: The test is useful in determining the contribution of abdominal and hip flexor weakness to the patient's symptoms. Decreased core strength is a common impairment in individuals with low back pain.
Note: tests should only be performed by a properly trained health care practitioner.