Spine Orthopaedic Test: Slump Test

The Slump Test is a diagnostic assessment that can be used to evaluate the neural tension and mobility of the lower back, hamstrings, and sciatic nerve. Here are the steps to perform the Slump Test:

1. Begin by instructing the patient to sit on a firm surface with their hands resting on their thighs.
2. Ask the patient to straighten their back, relax their shoulders, and lift their chin slightly upward.
3. Instruct the patient to slowly lower their chin toward their chest, while keeping their back straight. This will cause their upper back to round slightly.
4. Once the patient has lowered their chin as far as they can, ask them to keep their chin down and slump forward, rounding their entire spine, and bringing their chest toward their thighs.
5. While maintaining this position, ask the patient to extend one leg out in front of them, and then flex their foot back towards their body.
6. Next, ask the patient to slowly lower their extended leg back down to the ground.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the other leg.
8. Finally, ask the patient to bring their head and spine back up to a neutral position.

During the Slump Test, the therapist will observe the patient for any pain, discomfort, or restricted movement in the lower back, hamstrings, or sciatic nerve. If the test is positive, it may indicate neural tension, disc herniation, or other nerve-related conditions, and further testing or treatment may be required.

References:

1. McClure PW, Rabago DP, Bartlett DN, et al. A systematic review of the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for temporomandibular disorders. Phys Ther. 2016;96(9):1354-1370. doi:10.2522/ptj.20150287
2. Paraskevopoulos, I., Gliatis, J., Arvanitis, D., & Christodoulou, A. (2014). The slump test: A review of its validity and most feasible testing protocol. Physical Therapy Reviews, 19(3), 191-198. doi:10.1179/1083319614Z.00000000038
3. Huijbregts, P. A. (1999). Slump test: A review of the current status and validity of the assessment procedure. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 7(1), 14-21. doi:10.1179/106698199790089692