The Straight Leg Raise Test measures how far the client can raise a straight leg while lying supine. It can provide useful information about posterior thigh mobility, hip flexion range and symptom response, but it should not be used alone to diagnose a condition.
A client may report posterior thigh tightness, difficulty kicking, limited hamstring mobility or symptoms during straight-leg movements. The Straight Leg Raise Test provides a structured way to measure the range and record what the client feels.
The MAT article describes the client lying supine with both legs straight. The Measurz inclinometer is placed midway on the tibia, and the client raises the leg while keeping it as straight as possible. The source lists 80–90 degrees as a practical reference range.
Test name: Spine Straight Leg Raise Test
Also known as: SLR, straight leg raise ROM test
Purpose: Assess straight-leg raise ROM and symptom response
What it assesses: Hip flexion with the knee straight, posterior thigh mobility context and symptom response
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer
Key finding: Straight leg raise angle in degrees
Best used with: 90/90 Active Knee Extension, Slump Test, hip flexion, knee extension and hamstring strength tests
Key limitation: It does not isolate hamstring length or diagnose neural involvement on its own
The Straight Leg Raise Test measures the angle achieved when the client raises a straight leg in supine. It can be performed actively or passively depending on the purpose, but the MAT version is described as the client raising the leg.
It is used to track straight-leg ROM, compare sides, monitor posterior chain mobility and record symptom behaviour.
It measures straight-leg raise ROM in degrees. It does not isolate hamstring length, diagnose nerve sensitivity or identify the cause of symptoms.
Active SLR is performed by the client. Passive SLR is performed by the movement professional lifting the limb. Record the method because active and passive scores differ.
Runners, field sport athletes, dancers, gym clients, hamstring mobility tracking and clients where posterior thigh ROM or symptom response is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer, treatment table or mat, Measurz app and notes for side, knee position, symptoms and active/passive method.
Position the client supine with both legs straight. Place the Measurz inclinometer at the midway point of the tibia. Ask the client to raise the leg while keeping it as straight as possible. Save the result when maximal ROM is reached. Record symptoms and repeat on the other side.
Record the angle in degrees. The MAT source lists 80–90 degrees as a practical reference for SLR ROM.
Interpret the score alongside symptoms, knee position, pelvic movement, 90/90 AKE, Slump Test and functional findings.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 80–90 degrees as broad practical context. Side-to-side comparison and symptom response are often more informative than a single threshold.
A 2022 study reported that smartphone measurement of lower-limb ROM, including straight leg raise angle, showed acceptable reliability and validity in healthy adults. A 2022 hamstring flexibility study also reported excellent reliability across several hamstring flexibility tests, including straight leg raise, although interpretation varies by test choice.
Common errors include knee bending, pelvic rotation, inconsistent tibial placement, forcing into symptoms, not recording active/passive method and interpreting ROM as a diagnosis.
Use this test to track posterior thigh ROM, compare sides, monitor progress and decide whether AKE, Slump or hamstring strength testing is useful.
Record side, SLR angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, knee position, pelvic movement, device placement, comparison side and related AKE or Slump findings.
90/90 Active Knee Extension Test
Slump Test
Hip Flexion Test
Knee Extension Test
Hamstring Bridge Endurance Test
Sprint Tests
It measures how far the straight leg can be raised in supine.
The MAT source lists 80–90 degrees as a practical reference range.
It can provide context for both posterior thigh mobility and symptom response, but it does not isolate either one on its own.
Yes. Pain, stretch, tingling or pulling location changes interpretation.
The SLR measures straight-leg ROM.
Record active/passive method.
Knee position must be controlled.
Symptoms should be documented.
Use with AKE and Slump testing where relevant.
Liu, H., et al. (2022). Psychometric properties of four common clinical tests for assessing hamstring flexibility in young adults. Frontiers in Physiology, 13, 911240.
Miyachi, Y., et al. (2022). Reliability and validity of lower limb joint range of motion measurements using a smartphone. Nagoya Journal of Medical Science, 84(1), 7–18.
Olivencia, O., et al. (2020). The reliability and minimal detectable change of the Ely and Active Knee Extension tests. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 15(5), 776–782.
