What position does the patient assume for the slump test?

What position does the patient assume for the slump test?

• A. Standing with legs straight
• B. Sitting with feet elevated
• C. Seated, slumping forward
• D. Lying flat on their back

Answer: (C)

The slump test is specifically designed to assess for neural tension, particularly in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine, as well as the lower extremities. During this test, the patient is seated and is instructed to slump forward, which involves flexion of the lumbar spine. This position increases tension on the spinal cord and can help identify nerve root irritation or other related conditions. By having the patient in a seated, slumped position, it allows the examiner to further assess the stress on the nervous system and how it may be affected by the addition of other movements, such as extending a leg or dorsiflexing the ankle. This technique is crucial for evaluating patients with symptoms such as sciatica or other radicular pain. The other positions listed would not adequately replicate the mechanics of the slump test and would not provide the same insight into neural tension.

The slump test is specifically designed to assess for neural tension, particularly in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine, as well as the lower extremities. During this test, the patient is seated and is instructed to slump forward, which involves flexion of the lumbar spine. This position increases tension on the spinal cord and can help identify nerve root irritation or other related conditions.

By having the patient in a seated, slumped position, it allows the examiner to further assess the stress on the nervous system and how it may be affected by the addition of other movements, such as extending a leg or dorsiflexing the ankle. This technique is crucial for evaluating patients with symptoms such as sciatica or other radicular pain.

The other positions listed would not adequately replicate the mechanics of the slump test and would not provide the same insight into neural tension.