Execution
- 1Position the patient supine near the end of the table.
- 2Flex one hip and knee toward the chest to flatten the lumbar spine and posteriorly tilt the pelvis.
- 3Allow the opposite thigh to remain over the end of the table.
- 4Observe whether the test knee extends as the opposite hip is brought to the chest.
- 5Compare the angle of knee flexion with the opposite side.
Positive outcome
The test is positive when the test knee extends as the opposite hip is flexed to the chest. This suggests rectus femoris tightness because hip extension pulls the two-joint muscle into tension. If the thigh lifts off the table without knee extension, iliopsoas tightness is more likely.
CommentMagee’s rectus femoris contracture test differentiates rectus femoris tightness from iliopsoas tightness by observing the knee during a Thomas-like setup. It is an impairment test with no strong diagnostic accuracy literature. Document pelvic stabilization because lumbar extension can create false negatives.
Low Clinical Value