The Thomas Test (also known as Iliacus Test or Iliopsoas Test) is used to measure the flexibility of the hip flexors, which includes the iliopsoas muscle group, the rectus femoris, pectineus, gracillis as well as the tensor fascia latae and the sartorius. The Tensor fascia latae(TFL) is a fusiform muscle enclosed between two layers of fascia lata with a length of 15cm approximately and overlying the gluteus minimus and some part of the gluteus medius [1]. It's myotomes is fourth lumbar nerve root (L4). Ely’s test or Duncan-Ely test is used to assess rectus femoris spasticity or tightness. The Ober's test evaluates a tight, contracted or inflamed Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL) and Iliotibial band (ITB). The Ober’s test must not be confounded with Noble’s test and the Renne test, two other tests that are commonly used to detect iliotibial band syndrome. The Noble’s test (also known as Noble's Compression test) is a provocative test of the iliotibial band, developed by Clive Noble. It is commonly used as an indication for iliotibial band syndrome; however, no evidence-based research has been done yet to control the validity of this test. The Renne's test was developed in 1975 to test for iliotibial band syndrome (ITB).[1][2] This test can be performed instead of or in addition to the Noble Compression Test when the patient complains of lateral knee pain and sometimes crepitus when running. A positive Trendelenburg test usually indicates weakness in the hip abductor muscles: gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.[1] These findings can be associated with various hip abnormalities such as congenital hip dislocation, rheumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis.
