Slump Test 1 – Spinal Cord, Sciatic Nerve, Cervical, and Lumbar Nerve Root Bias

Purpose of Slump Test 1: To determine if the tension along the spinal cord, sciatic nerve, and cervical and lumbar nerve roots contribute to the neurologic symptoms associated with radiculopathy (1).

Patient position: High sitting (as upright as tolerated) with hands behind the back.

Examiner position: Standing beside the patient, at the side of the limb to be tested.

Procedure: Perform the limb/joint positioning sequence in the following order:

1. Slouch at the lumbar and thoracic spine (with the examiner’s one hand over the patient’s shoulder girdles), while the patient is looking forward,
2. Cervical spine flexion (with the examiner’s hand over the patient’s occiput),
3. Hip flexion (slightly more than 90 degrees, lean forwards),
4. Knee extension (with the examiner’s other hand at the back of the ankle), while maintaining the cervical spine flexion,
5. Ankle dorsiflexion, while maintaining the cervical spine flexion and knee extension,
6. Sensitizing position: Cervical spine flexion or extension.

Outcome: This test is positive if (a) the limb/joint positioning sequence reproduces symptoms associated with radiculopathy, (b) the sensitizing position reproduces symptoms, and (c) there is a repeatable and measurable asymmetry between both sides along with the reproduction of symptoms. A positive slump test indicates increased tension in the neuromeningeal tract/sciatica (2, 3).

Reference:

1. Butler DS, Jones MA, Gore R. Mobilisation of the nervous system: Churchill Livingstone Melbourne etc.; 1991.
2. Maitland GD. The slump test: examination and treatment. Australian journal of physiotherapy. 1985;31(6):215-9.
3. Fidel C, Martin E, Dankaerts W, Allison G, Hall T. Cervical spine sensitizing maneuvers during the slump test. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 1996;4(1):16-21.