Which describes the Ober's test protocol?

Which describes the Ober's test protocol?

• A. Stabilize pelvis, abduct and extend the top leg, lower the leg toward the table, and palpate the lateral thigh for tension.
• B. The patient stands and adducts the leg against resistance.
• C. The patient lies on side with bottom leg flexed, abducts top leg, and slowly lowers toward the table while palpating.
• D. The patient sits with legs extended and performs forward bending.

Answer: (C)

This test is used to assess tightness of the iliotibial band. It begins with you lying on your side opposite the leg being tested, the bottom knee bent for stability. The examiner then abducts and extends the top leg and slowly lowers it behind the bottom leg toward the table, often feeling along the lateral thigh for tension as it moves. A positive result occurs if the leg remains abducted and does not drop toward the table, indicating IT band tightness or contracture. The other options describe different movements or positions not characteristic of Ober’s test: one describes standing adduction against resistance (an adductor test), another describes a seated forward bend, and the remaining phrasing is less precise about the side-lying position and the leg lowering behind the other leg.

This test is used to assess tightness of the iliotibial band. It begins with you lying on your side opposite the leg being tested, the bottom knee bent for stability. The examiner then abducts and extends the top leg and slowly lowers it behind the bottom leg toward the table, often feeling along the lateral thigh for tension as it moves. A positive result occurs if the leg remains abducted and does not drop toward the table, indicating IT band tightness or contracture. The other options describe different movements or positions not characteristic of Ober’s test: one describes standing adduction against resistance (an adductor test), another describes a seated forward bend, and the remaining phrasing is less precise about the side-lying position and the leg lowering behind the other leg.