The Hip Modified Thomas Test assesses hip extension position with the client lying at the edge of a table while the opposite knee is held toward the chest. It is useful for tracking hip extension mobility and anterior hip/thigh length context, but it should not be used alone to identify the cause of restriction.
A client may feel tight at the front of the hip during running, lunging, sprinting or hip extension drills. The Modified Thomas Test provides a practical way to assess hip extension position and anterior hip/thigh mobility context while controlling the pelvis.
The MAT article describes the client lying on their back with the ischial tuberosities at the edge of the table, pulling one knee to the chest while the inclinometer is placed midway on the opposite femur. It lists at least 10 degrees of hip extension as a practical target.
Test name: Hip Modified Thomas Test
Purpose: Assess hip extension position and anterior hip/thigh mobility context
What it assesses: Hip extension ROM position with the opposite hip flexed
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: Hip extension angle in degrees
Best used with: Hip extension test, knee prone heel-to-butt, hip flexion, running and lunge assessment
Key limitation: Pelvic tilt and table position strongly affect results
The Modified Thomas Test is a ROM and muscle-length-style assessment commonly used to observe hip extension position and anterior hip/thigh flexibility context. It can be quantified using an inclinometer.
It is used to assess hip extension mobility, compare sides and add context to anterior hip tightness, stride mechanics, lunging and lower-limb movement.
It measures hip position and extension angle in the test setup. It does not isolate one hip flexor muscle, diagnose pain source or prove running readiness.
This is usually a position-based passive-style test because the client holds the opposite knee while the test limb rests over the table edge. Record any active contribution, assistance or modification.
Runners, field sport athletes, gym clients, clients with anterior hip mobility goals and lower-limb movement assessment.
Treatment table, Measurz inclinometer, Measurz app, and notes for side, pelvic position, pain and symptoms.
Position the client supine with the ischial tuberosities at the table edge. Ask the client to pull one knee toward the chest. Place the inclinometer upright at the midway point of the opposite femur. Record the thigh angle once the position is stable.
Monitor pelvic tilt, lumbar extension, knee position and symptoms.
Record the hip extension angle in degrees. The MAT article lists at least 10 degrees of hip extension as a practical target, while noting normal variation.
A reduced score may reflect limited hip extension position, pelvic control issues, anterior thigh restriction or discomfort. It should not be labelled as a specific diagnosis.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use at least 10 degrees as a practical MAT reference. Interpret with pelvic position, knee angle, symptoms and side comparison.
A 2024 study on goniometric Modified Thomas Test measurement reported that pelvic tilt control is important for reliability, supporting the need to standardise table position and pelvis control.
Common errors include poor table position, posterior pelvic tilt, lumbar extension, failing to control the opposite leg, inconsistent femur landmarking and interpreting the result as isolated iliopsoas or rectus femoris length.
Use this test to monitor hip extension position, compare sides and add context to running, lunging, hip flexor mobility and anterior thigh mobility programmes.
Record side, hip extension angle, pain score, symptom location, pelvic tilt, knee angle, test limb position, opposite-leg position, device placement, comparison side and retest date.
Hip Extension Test
Knee Prone Heel-to-Butt Test
Hip Flexion Test
Running Assessment
Lunge Assessment
Squat Assessment
It measures hip extension position and anterior hip/thigh mobility context in a table-edge position.
The MAT source lists at least 10 degrees of hip extension.
No. It provides useful context but does not isolate one muscle.
Pelvic tilt can significantly change the measured hip angle.
The Modified Thomas Test assesses hip extension position.
Pelvic control is essential.
Do not interpret it as an isolated muscle test.
Record angle, symptoms and pelvic position in Measurz.
Use with hip extension and knee flexion tests.
Eimiller, K., et al. (2024). Reliability of goniometric techniques for measuring hip flexor length using the Modified Thomas Test. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 19(7), 803–811.
Fraeulin, L., et al. (2020). Intra- and inter-rater reliability of joint range of motion tests using tape measure, digital inclinometer and inertial motion capturing. PLOS ONE, 15(12), e0243646.
