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Bent Knee Stretch Test

Source: Physiotutors

Execution

  1. 1Position the patient supine.
  2. 2Flex the symptomatic hip and knee to approximately 90 degrees.
  3. 3Stabilize the hip position.
  4. 4Slowly extend the knee to stretch the proximal hamstring.
  5. 5Ask whether the movement reproduces familiar posterior thigh or ischial tuberosity pain.

Positive outcome

Reproduction of familiar posterior thigh or ischial tuberosity pain is positive. Stretch sensation without familiar pain is not sufficient. The test is intended to provoke chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy.

Studies

StudyReliabilitySnSpLR+LR−
Cacchio et al. (2012)ICC 0.82-0.88 across three tests84876.460.18

CommentCacchio’s study supports good accuracy in athletes with chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy confirmed by expert diagnosis and MRI. This population is narrower than general posterior thigh pain, so the values should not be generalized to acute hamstring strain or lumbar radicular pain. Combine with palpation and loading history.

Moderate Clinical Value

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