How do you perform the slump test?

How do you perform the slump test?

• A. Patient stands and bends backward
• B. Patient is seated and slumps forward while looking down
• C. Patient lies supine with the knees bent
• D. Patient performs squats with an extension

Answer: (B)

The slump test is a functional assessment used to evaluate nerve root tension, particularly in the lumbar spine and lower extremities. To perform the slump test correctly, the patient should be seated and instructed to slump forward, allowing they to flex their thoracic and lumbar spine, while maintaining that position by looking down. This position can help elicit symptoms or reveal nerve tension by stretching the spinal cord and nerve roots. When the patient looks down during the slump, it emphasizes the spinal flexion and increases tension along the neural structures. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort during this maneuver, it may indicate an issue with nerve irritation or herniation in the lower back and legs. The other methods listed do not align with the standardized method for the slump test. Standing and bending backward would assess other movements, while lying supine or performing squats is not relevant for this specific evaluation of nerve root tension. The key focus of the slump test is to create a position that maximizes stress on the neural structures, which is effectively achieved through the seated slumped posture with a downward gaze.

The slump test is a functional assessment used to evaluate nerve root tension, particularly in the lumbar spine and lower extremities. To perform the slump test correctly, the patient should be seated and instructed to slump forward, allowing they to flex their thoracic and lumbar spine, while maintaining that position by looking down. This position can help elicit symptoms or reveal nerve tension by stretching the spinal cord and nerve roots.

When the patient looks down during the slump, it emphasizes the spinal flexion and increases tension along the neural structures. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort during this maneuver, it may indicate an issue with nerve irritation or herniation in the lower back and legs.

The other methods listed do not align with the standardized method for the slump test. Standing and bending backward would assess other movements, while lying supine or performing squats is not relevant for this specific evaluation of nerve root tension. The key focus of the slump test is to create a position that maximizes stress on the neural structures, which is effectively achieved through the seated slumped posture with a downward gaze.