Which sequence best describes the key steps of the slump test?

Which sequence best describes the key steps of the slump test?

• A. The patient sits upright, slumps the thoracic and lumbar spine, flexes the cervical spine, actively extends the knee, and dorsiflexes the ankle, with symptom changes assessed and neck flexion released to confirm.
• B. The patient lies on the back and raises the leg while keeping the knee straight.
• C. The patient sits and performs a forward bend with the neck extended throughout.
• D. The patient stands and repeatedly bends and straightens the knee while keeping the ankle neutral.

Answer: (A)

This item is testing knowledge of a seated neurodynamic test that progressively tensions the nervous system along the lower limb. The key steps involve first letting the patient slump the thoracic and lumbar spine while seated to place the nervous system on tension, then increasing that tension by flexing the cervical spine, followed by actively extending the knee and adding ankle dorsiflexion. Throughout, you watch for the reproduction of symptoms, and you confirm the neural involvement by releasing neck flexion (returning the neck to a neutral or less flexed position), which should reduce or relieve the symptoms if they were nerve-related. This sequence—slump posture, cervical flexion, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, then neck flexion release—is what differentiates the slump test from other maneuvers. The other options describe different tests or incomplete sequences, such as the straight-leg raise performed supine, a forward bend with the neck extended, or standing knee movements, which do not capture the same gradual neural tension and confirmatory release in the seated slump test.

This item is testing knowledge of a seated neurodynamic test that progressively tensions the nervous system along the lower limb. The key steps involve first letting the patient slump the thoracic and lumbar spine while seated to place the nervous system on tension, then increasing that tension by flexing the cervical spine, followed by actively extending the knee and adding ankle dorsiflexion. Throughout, you watch for the reproduction of symptoms, and you confirm the neural involvement by releasing neck flexion (returning the neck to a neutral or less flexed position), which should reduce or relieve the symptoms if they were nerve-related. This sequence—slump posture, cervical flexion, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, then neck flexion release—is what differentiates the slump test from other maneuvers. The other options describe different tests or incomplete sequences, such as the straight-leg raise performed supine, a forward bend with the neck extended, or standing knee movements, which do not capture the same gradual neural tension and confirmatory release in the seated slump test.