The Slump Test assesses knee extension ROM and symptom response in a seated neurodynamic-style position. It can provide useful information about posterior chain and neural sensitivity context, but it should not be used alone to diagnose a condition.
A client may report posterior thigh tightness, symptoms when sitting, or discomfort when bending forward and extending the leg. The Slump Test provides a structured way to observe ROM and symptom response under a combined spine, neck, ankle and knee position.
The MAT article describes a seated slump setup with hands behind the back, neck and trunk flexion, ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension. The inclinometer is aligned along the tibia, with 0 degrees of knee extension listed as the practical goal.
Test name: Slump Test
Purpose: Assess knee extension ROM and symptom response in a slump position
What it assesses: Knee extension ROM under combined spine/neck/ankle positioning
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer
Key finding: Knee extension angle and symptom response
Best used with: Straight Leg Raise, 90/90 Active Knee Extension, knee extension and symptom history
Key limitation: It is sensitive to positioning and should not be interpreted diagnostically in isolation
The Slump Test is a seated neurodynamic-style ROM assessment where the client flexes the neck and trunk, dorsiflexes the ankle and extends the knee while ROM and symptoms are recorded.
It is used to record knee extension ROM and symptom response in a combined position that may be useful when posterior thigh, back or lower-limb symptoms are part of the assessment.
It measures knee extension ROM in the slump position and records symptom behaviour. It does not diagnose nerve pathology, disc injury or radiculopathy by itself.
The MAT version is active: the client extends the knee after moving into the slump position. If passive overpressure or movement assistance is used, record it as a modification.
Clients with posterior thigh symptoms, back-related movement concerns, hamstring mobility goals, running assessments and lower-limb symptom monitoring.
Chair or table edge, Measurz inclinometer, Measurz app and notes for symptoms, side, ankle position, neck position and knee angle.
Ask the client to sit with hands behind the back. Instruct them to flex the neck, then trunk. Ask them to dorsiflex one foot and extend the same knee. Align the Measurz inclinometer along the tibia and record the knee extension result.
Record symptoms before, during and after the test. Stop if symptoms become concerning or the client cannot maintain the position.
Record knee extension angle and symptom response. The MAT article lists 0 degrees knee extension as the practical goal.
Interpretation should include comparison with SLR, AKE, symptoms, side difference and whether changing neck or ankle position changes the response.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 0 degrees of knee extension as a practical MAT reference, not a diagnostic threshold.
Recent evidence on neurodynamic and orthopaedic tension tests highlights that these tests should be interpreted cautiously and in combination with other findings rather than as stand-alone diagnostic tools. A 2020 study of neurodynamic tests for lumbar/lumbosacral radiculopathy reinforces the need for careful clinical reasoning rather than single-test conclusions.
Common errors include inconsistent spine position, not standardising ankle dorsiflexion, changing neck position, recording ROM without symptoms and treating a positive symptom response as a diagnosis.
Use the Slump Test to track symptom response, compare sides, add context to SLR/AKE findings and guide decisions about further movement assessment.
Record side, knee extension angle, pain score, symptom location, neck position, trunk position, ankle position, symptom behaviour, comparison side and related SLR/AKE results.
Straight Leg Raise Test
90/90 Active Knee Extension Test
Knee Extension Test
Spine Flexion Test
Hamstring Bridge Endurance Test
Running Assessment
It records knee extension ROM and symptom response in a seated slump position.
The MAT article lists 0 degrees knee extension as the practical reference.
No. It may support assessment reasoning, but it should not be used alone to diagnose a condition.
Symptoms, location and response to position changes are central to interpretation.
The Slump Test records ROM and symptom response.
Position sequence must be consistent.
Do not use it as a stand-alone diagnostic test.
Record knee angle, symptoms and side comparison.
Use with SLR and AKE findings.
Herrington, L., Davies, R., & Mulligan, J. (2005). A comparison of the straight leg raise test and slump test for identifying low back pain in elite junior soccer players. Physical Therapy in Sport, 6(1), 51–57.
Martínez-Pérez, R., et al. (2020). Use of neurodynamic or orthopedic tension tests for the diagnosis of lumbar and lumbosacral radiculopathy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(19), 7046.
Liu, H., et al. (2022). Psychometric properties of four common clinical tests for assessing hamstring flexibility in young adults. Frontiers in Physiology, 13, 911240.
