Tests for measuring hamstring muscle tightness
reported in the literature are variations of the straightleg-raising
(SLR) test. These variations include the
passive bilateral SLR test,1
the passive toe-touch test,2
the active unilateral SLR test,3
and the passive unilateral
SLR test.4
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7
All of these tests measure hamstring
tightness by the angle of hip flexion with the
knee extended. Questions must be raised, however,
about using the SLR test to examine hamstring muscle
tightness. A comprehensive review of the literature
by Urban revealed that in addition to measuring
hamstring tightness, the SLR test is also widely used
as a neurological test,8
because the SLR test causes
elongation of the sciatic nerve and associated structures.
Consequently, one should consider the problem
of stretching neurological tissue during SLR testing.
In addition, a recent study using cinematographic
analysis of the passive unilateral SLR test concluded
that because of pelvic rotation during the test, measurements
of the SLR/horizontal angle do not give a
valid indication of hamstring length.9