The Ely Test assesses rectus femoris flexibility and anterior thigh tension during passive knee flexion. A positive result may suggest reduced quadriceps flexibility or anterior thigh tightness but does not identify the exact source of restriction on its own.
Reduced quadriceps flexibility may influence running mechanics, squatting patterns and anterior hip or knee loading.
The Ely Test is commonly used to assess rectus femoris length by passively flexing the knee while observing hip movement and symptom response.
It is often combined with:
hip extension assessment
squat analysis
running assessment
quadriceps flexibility testing
A positive result may suggest increased anterior thigh tension or reduced rectus femoris flexibility.
Test name: Ely Test
Body region: Hip and thigh
Purpose: Assess rectus femoris flexibility
Positive finding: Hip rises from the table or anterior thigh tightness during knee flexion
Negative finding: Full knee flexion without compensatory hip movement
Best used with: Hip mobility and movement assessment
Key limitation: Pelvic positioning can affect results
The Ely Test is performed by passively flexing the knee while the client lies prone.
The test assesses:
rectus femoris flexibility
anterior thigh tension
hip compensation during knee flexion
Because the rectus femoris crosses both the hip and knee, reduced flexibility may cause the hip to rise during testing.
The test may help:
assess quadriceps flexibility
identify anterior thigh tightness
guide mobility programming
support lower limb movement assessment
It is commonly used in:
running populations
field sport athletes
movement screening settings
lower limb flexibility assessment
The Ely Test assesses:
rectus femoris flexibility
anterior thigh tension
compensatory hip movement
passive knee flexion tolerance
It does not diagnose injury or identify the exact source of mobility restriction.
This test may be useful for:
exercise professionals
rehabilitation practitioners
running coaches
strength and conditioning coaches
movement assessment professionals
Use when there is:
anterior thigh tightness
limited knee flexion mobility
reduced hip extension tolerance
movement restrictions during running or squatting
suspected quadriceps flexibility limitation
Use caution with:
acute quadriceps strain
severe knee pain
recent surgery
acute hip irritation
inability to tolerate prone positioning
Stop testing if:
pain becomes severe
cramping occurs
symptoms escalate significantly
Treatment table
Pain scale
Measurz recording workflow
Position the client lying prone on a treatment table.
Hips neutral
Legs relaxed
Pelvis level against the table
Stand beside the tested limb.
One hand supports the lower leg
Other hand monitors pelvic or hip movement
Maintain pelvic stability and monitor compensatory hip lift.
Passively flex the knee toward the buttocks.
Observe:
knee flexion range
anterior thigh tightness
pelvic movement
hip rise from the table
Ask the client to:
remain relaxed
report discomfort or tightness
describe symptom location if present
A positive Ely Test may include:
hip lifting from the table
anterior thigh tightness
reduced knee flexion tolerance
asymmetrical movement compared to the opposite side
A negative finding involves:
smooth knee flexion
no compensatory hip rise
minimal anterior thigh tension
Stop if:
pain becomes severe
cramping develops
guarding limits assessment
Use slow movement and avoid forcing end-range knee flexion.
A positive Ely Test may suggest:
reduced rectus femoris flexibility
anterior thigh tightness
increased quadriceps tension during knee flexion
It becomes more meaningful when combined with:
hip extension limitations
running assessment
squat movement findings
side-to-side comparison
A negative test may suggest normal quadriceps flexibility during passive movement.
The test does not confirm muscle injury or identify the exact cause of restriction on its own.
The Ely Test is primarily used as a flexibility and movement assessment rather than a diagnostic orthopaedic test.
At the time of writing, high-quality peer-reviewed diagnostic accuracy evidence reporting sensitivity, specificity or likelihood ratios for this exact test appears limited.
The test should therefore be interpreted as:
a mobility assessment tool
a flexibility screening measure
part of broader movement assessment reasoning
rather than a standalone diagnostic procedure.
Reliability improves with:
consistent pelvic stabilisation
standardised knee flexion speed
side-to-side comparison
Validity is stronger when findings match:
movement limitations
training demands
anterior thigh tension complaints
reduced hip extension tolerance
Common errors include:
allowing excessive pelvic movement
forcing knee flexion aggressively
not comparing sides
poor client relaxation
Limitations include:
subjective interpretation of tightness
influence of hip positioning
limited standalone diagnostic value
The Ely Test may help:
assess quadriceps flexibility
guide mobility programming
monitor flexibility changes over time
support running and squat assessment
contribute to lower limb movement screening
Record:
test name
side tested
result (positive / negative / unclear)
knee flexion tolerance
hip lift presence
pain or tightness location
pain score (0–10)
pelvic compensation observed
side-to-side comparison
movement quality
related findings
interpretation notes
Thomas Test
Ober’s Test
Hamstring Flexibility Assessment
Squat Assessment
Hip Extension Assessment
Single Leg Balance Test
What does the Ely Test assess?
It assesses rectus femoris flexibility and anterior thigh tension.
What is a positive Ely Test?
Hip lifting from the table or significant anterior thigh tightness during knee flexion.
Does it diagnose a muscle injury?
No. It only helps assess flexibility and movement restriction.
Why is pelvic control important?
Poor pelvic control can change the test result and reduce accuracy.
Should it be used alone?
No. It works best with broader movement and mobility assessment.
What does the Ely Test assess?
Quadriceps flexibility and anterior thigh tension.
Does it diagnose injury?
No. It only helps support flexibility assessment reasoning.
What does a positive result mean?
It may suggest reduced rectus femoris flexibility or increased anterior thigh tightness.
What does a negative result mean?
It may suggest normal flexibility during passive knee flexion.
Should it be used alone?
No. It works best with other mobility and movement assessments.
What is the main value of the test?
Helping identify flexibility restrictions that may affect lower limb movement.
Peeler, J., et al. (2018–2022). Reliability and interpretation of lower limb flexibility testing. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
Gabbe, B. J., et al. (2020–2023). Lower limb flexibility and movement assessment updates. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Malliaras, P., et al. (2021). Clinical interpretation of muscle flexibility and movement restriction. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
