The original Thomas test was designed to test the flexibility of the iliopsoas complex but has since been modified and expanded to assess a number of other soft tissue structures. Neither the original test nor the suggested variations have ever been substantiated for reliability, sensitivity, or specificity.
The original thomas test test involves positioning the patient in supine, with one knee being held to the chest at the point where the lumbar spine is felt to flex. The clinician assesses whether the thigh of the extended leg maintains full contact with the surface of the bed. If the thigh is raised off the surface of the table, the test is positive.
A positive test indicates a decrease in flexibility in the rectus femoris or iliopsoas muscles or both. One of the limitations of this test is that it merely determines the amount of hip extension possible at any given degree of pelvic flexion.
For More: Thomas Test - Hip Examination
