College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

When is the Thomas test considered negative?

1. When the hip flexes

2. When the hip extends

3. When there is internal rotation

4. When the knee is straight

The correct answer is: When the hip extends

The Thomas test is an assessment used to evaluate hip flexor tightness and is typically performed with the patient lying supine at the edge of an examination table. In this test, a positive result indicates that there is tightness in the hip flexors. When the test is considered negative, it is characterized by the extension of the hip, meaning that the thigh should lie flat on the examination table while the opposite knee is pulled towards the chest. This position shows that the hip flexors are flexible and not tight. Thus, when the hip extends, it implies that there is good flexibility in the hip flexor muscles, and the test is deemed negative. Other outcomes, such as hip flexion or internal rotation, would indicate tightness in the hip flexors and suggest a positive test, while having the knee straight is not a definitive indicator of a negative Thomas test since it does not directly assess hip flexor tightness. Therefore, the condition under which the Thomas test is considered negative is when the hip extends.