Execution
- 1Position the patient prone.
- 2Abduct both hips as far as possible with the knees extended.
- 3Maintain the hip abduction position.
- 4Flex the patient’s knees.
- 5Observe whether hip abduction increases after knee flexion.
Positive outcome
The test is positive for gracilis tightness when hip abduction increases after the knees are flexed. Because gracilis crosses the knee, knee flexion slackens it and allow more abduction if it was limiting the movement. No change suggests another adductor or capsular restriction.
CommentPhelp’s test is a specific muscle-length differentiation test for the gracilis. It is not a diagnostic test for a hip joint pathology. Pelvic position and hip rotation must be controlled because they can alter apparent abduction range.
Low Clinical Value