--- title: "Straight Leg Raise Test" description: "The Straight Leg Raise Test requires clear supine setup, knee position, tibial inclinometer placement, symptom recording and cautious interpretation of posterior chain/neural findings." url: https://help.matassessment.com/en/articles/178-straight-leg-raise-test collection: "Range of Motion (AROM/PROM)" updated: 2026-05-21 language: en --- # Straight Leg Raise Test The Straight Leg Raise Test requires clear supine setup, knee position, tibial inclinometer placement, symptom recording and cautious interpretation of posterior chain/neural findings. The Straight Leg Raise Test measures how far the straight leg can be raised while the client lies supine. It can provide information about posterior thigh flexibility, hip flexion range and neural symptom response. The result should be recorded as an angle with pain score, symptom location, side comparison and whether symptoms are stretch-like or neural-type. ## Introduction A client may report posterior thigh tightness, difficulty lifting the leg, symptoms during running or discomfort during forward bending. The Straight Leg Raise Test helps quantify straight-leg hip flexion and symptom response. The test can be used as a ROM measure, but it can also provoke neural-type symptoms. For this reason, professionals should record not only the angle, but also symptom quality, location, familiarity and response to sensitising or easing movements. ## Quick Summary Test name: Spine Straight Leg Raise Test Also known as: SLR Test, passive straight leg raise Purpose: Measure straight-leg hip flexion ROM and symptom response Movement: Raising the straight leg in supine Joint/body region: Hip, posterior thigh, lumbar spine and sciatic nerve pathway ROM type: Passive ROM/neurodynamic response depending on interpretation Score: Degrees of hip flexion at endpoint or symptom onset Equipment: Inclinometer, goniometer, pain scale and Measurz Best used with: Slump Test, 90/90 Active Knee Extension, hip flexion, lumbar ROM and neurological screen when relevant Key limitation: SLR angle does not identify the cause of symptoms by itself ## What Is the Straight Leg Raise Test? The Straight Leg Raise Test involves raising the client’s straight leg while they lie on their back. The knee remains extended as the hip flexes. The test can be interpreted as a posterior chain ROM measure, a hamstring flexibility measure or a neurodynamic symptom test depending on symptoms, test setup and clinical reasoning. ## Why It Is Used The test is used to assess straight-leg hip flexion range and symptom response. It may help inform: Posterior thigh flexibility monitoring Hip flexion ROM assessment Neural symptom behaviour Side-to-side comparison Forward bend interpretation Running and kicking movement assessment Progress tracking across sessions ## What It Measures The test may measure: Straight-leg hip flexion angle Posterior thigh stretch response Neural-type symptom response Pain location and symptom quality Side-to-side difference Irritability and symptom onset angle It does not prove the cause of symptoms on its own. ## Active vs Passive Range of Motion The classic Straight Leg Raise Test is usually passive, with the professional lifting the limb. Active straight leg raise is a different test and should be recorded separately if used. ## Who It Is Useful For This test may be useful for runners, field sport athletes, gym clients, dancers, clients with posterior thigh symptoms and clients where straight-leg movement, bending or neural symptoms are relevant. ## Equipment Required Treatment table or mat Goniometer or inclinometer Pain scale Measurz for recording ROM and symptoms Optional neurological screen notes Optional comparison side notes ## Step-by-Step Protocol or How to Apply This in Practice ### Starting position Position the client supine with both legs relaxed. ### Client position The non-tested leg remains flat or in the standardised position. The tested knee stays extended. ### Professional position Stand beside the tested limb and support the heel or lower leg. ### Body/joint setup Start with the hip near neutral and the knee extended. ### Stabilisation Monitor pelvic movement and opposite-leg compensation. ### Movement instruction Lift the straight leg slowly into hip flexion while keeping the knee extended. ### Measurement landmarks Measure hip flexion angle using the selected method. An inclinometer may be placed on the tibia or femur depending on protocol. ### Sensitising or easing movements If clinically relevant, ankle dorsiflexion, cervical flexion or slight knee flexion may be used to explore symptom behaviour. Record any changes clearly. ### What to ask Ask whether the client feels posterior thigh stretch, back pain, leg pain, tingling, numbness, burning or familiar symptoms. ### Stopping rules Stop if symptoms increase sharply, neurological symptoms worsen, pain is not tolerated or symptoms do not settle after testing. ### What to record Record side, angle at symptom onset, final angle, pain score, symptom location, symptom quality, knee position, sensitising response and comparison side. ### Number of trials One to three trials may be used. Avoid repeated provocative testing if symptoms are irritable. ### Retest consistency Use the same speed, endpoint, device placement, symptom criteria and sensitising method each session. ## Scoring and Interpretation The result may be recorded as: Angle at first symptom Angle at end range Symptom-free ROM Pain-limited ROM Stretch-limited ROM Neural symptom response A lower SLR angle may reflect reduced posterior thigh tolerance, hip flexion range, neural mechanosensitivity, pain, guarding or measurement method. It does not identify the cause on its own. Interpretation is stronger when paired with: Slump Test 90/90 Active Knee Extension Hip flexion ROM Lumbar ROM Neurological screen Pain and symptom distribution Symptom behaviour during movement ## Reliability and Validity A 2020 diagnostic validity study of neurodynamic and orthopaedic tension tests investigated Straight Leg Raise, Slump and related tests for lumbar and lumbosacral radiculopathy and supported interpreting neurodynamic tests as part of a broader cluster rather than in isolation. ([mdpi.com](https://mdpi.com)) A 2022 article on SLR reliability also highlights that SLR measurement depends on symptom criteria, test performance and standardisation. ([sciencedirect.com](https://sciencedirect.com)) ## Common Errors and Testing Limitations Common errors include bending the knee, lifting too quickly, not recording symptom quality, forcing end range, failing to record symptom onset angle, not comparing sides and interpreting any posterior thigh stretch as neural involvement. Limitations include symptom overlap, hamstring contribution, hip position, neural sensitivity, measurement error and client guarding. ## Practical Applications Use the Straight Leg Raise Test to track straight-leg hip flexion, posterior thigh tolerance and symptom behaviour. It is most useful when paired with active knee extension, slump testing, hip ROM, lumbar ROM and neurological findings where relevant. ## How to Record This in Measurz In Measurz, record baseline SLR angle in degrees using the inclinometer or chosen device. Record side tested, pain score, symptom location, symptom quality, angle at symptom onset, final angle, active/passive method, sensitising response and comparison side. Track progress across sessions and add related lumbar ROM, hip flexion, active knee extension, slump or neurological findings. ## Related Tests or Internal Linking Suggestions Spine Slump Test 90/90 Active Knee Extension Test Hip Flexion Test Femoral Nerve Tension Test Lumbar Flexion Test Hamstring Bridge Test Running Assessment Deadlift Assessment ## FAQs ### What does the Straight Leg Raise Test measure? It measures straight-leg hip flexion angle and symptom response during passive leg raising. ### Is SLR a hamstring test or nerve test? It can provide information about posterior thigh flexibility and neural symptom behaviour. Symptom quality and sensitising responses guide interpretation. ### What should be recorded? Record angle, side, pain, symptom location, symptom quality and whether symptoms change with sensitising movements. ### Can SLR diagnose a condition? No. It supports clinical reasoning but does not diagnose a condition by itself. ### How should SLR be tracked? Use the same speed, endpoint, device, symptom criteria and side comparison each session. ## Key Takeaways SLR measures straight-leg hip flexion and symptom response. Record symptom onset angle and final angle when relevant. Posterior thigh stretch is not the same as neural symptoms. Interpret with Slump, AKE, hip ROM and lumbar findings. Measurz should capture angle, symptoms, side and sensitising response. ## References Bueno-Gracia, E., et al. (2020). Use of neurodynamic or orthopedic tension tests for the diagnosis of lumbar and lumbosacral radiculopathy: Study of the diagnostic validity. _International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17_(19), 7046. Clarkson, H. M. (2020). _Musculoskeletal assessment: Joint range of motion, muscle testing, and function_ (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. Scaia, V., Baxter, D., & Cook, C. (2022). Straight leg raise test reliability and clinical utility. Needs verification.