Core Flexibility is a series of four tests completed with a patient or client during an initial exam or in follow up progress exams. This specific parameter is categorized under Functional Fitness as well as Neuro-Spinal Health. The maximum score the patient could receive would be a 4, meaning they passed all 4 tests. For each test that they fail, they lose points and the grade is lowered.
If the patient has any pain on any of the range of motion, or the patient cannot complete the test, this is an automatic fail.
Test #1: Shoulder Pass-Through
This is completed with a 5ft (1.52 meter) long PVC bar/pipe that is approximately 3/4 inch - 1 inch thick
The patient will hold the PVC pipe out in front with their elbows fully extended, a little wider than shoulder-width
They will then pass the pipe all the way over their head to their lower back, keeping the elbows locked (not bent)
Pass = No pain or hitch in external rotation of their shoulders
Fail = They experience pain or cannot complete the test
Test #2: Overhead Squat
Look to see if the torso and the tibia are in the same position, meaning they should be in the same angle as well as the knees should not be extending over the toes
Also, need to see if they can hold the bar (used in Should Pass-Through) over the top of their shoulders, so the bar/pole should relatively be over the top of their shoulders and their knees should ver top of their ankles or their feet
Pass = No pain and can complete the test with good form
Fail = Not able to do the test or it's painful or asymmetrical movement
Test #3: Active and Passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) to 80-90°
The patient is actively in a supine position, lifting one leg at a time
Pass = If the patient can go 70-90° of hip flexion with the knee fully extended without pain on both legs
Fail = They experience pain, cannot complete the test, can only do 40-50°
Test #4: Prone Hip Extension to 30°
This is completed prior to palpation. Have them lie prone and then ask them to extend the hip-knee until fully extended.
Pass = You want to see that the patient can go at least 30° without pain and without rolling their pelvis up off the table.
Fail = A lot of time you'll see for a person to get the extension, they have to lift their pelvis up on the same side, which would be considered a fail
Watch the video below from Dr. Dane Donohue on how to complete this!