Exercise intervention protocol in children and young adults with cerebral palsy: the effects of strength, flexibility and gait training on physical performance, neuromuscular mechanisms and cardiometabolic risk factors (EXECP)

Table 4 Joint flexibility tests and references from typically developing controls attained in other studies

Reference Values and Diagnostic
Modified Thomas test
Hip measurement 1: Hip angle > 0° = short and/or stiff one-joint hip flexors (i.e. iliopsoas, hip adductors).
Hip measurement 2 (examiner applies hip extension torque): Hip angle > 0° = short one-joint hip flexors.
Hip measurement 3: Reference value = 0° (i.e. ASIS and patella aligned on the sagittal plane). Positive values = short and/or stiff hip abductors.
Knee measurement 1: Knee angle < 67° = short and/or stiff two-joint hip flexors (i.e. rectus femoris, tensor fascia latae, sartorius).
Knee measurement 2 (supported hip): Knee angle < 67° = short and/or stiff two-joint hip flexors.
Note: Tightness of the anterior capsule and ligaments may also influence the test.
References: [72, 97,98,99]
Passive knee extension test
Knee angle > 40° (with the hip at 90°) = short hamstring muscles.
References: [100, 101]
Passive ankle dorsiflexion test
Ankle angle < 18° with knee at 0° and 90° = short Soleus muscle.
Ankle angle < 18° with knee at 0° and ankle angle > 18° with knee at 90° = short Gastrocnemius muscle.
Ankle angle > 18° in with knee in 0° and 90° = good triceps surae flexibility.
References: [102, 103].

ASIS anterior superior iliac spine. Hip measurements 1–2: 0° = anatomical position, positive values = hip flexion. Knee measurements: 0° = knee in full extension. Ankle measurements: 0° = sole of the foot at right angles to the tibial axis, positive values = dorsiflexion

ISSN: 2052-1847