ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

During the Thomas Test, what position should the client start in?

1. Standing upright

2. Lying supine on a bench

3. Sitting on a bench on ischial tuberosity

4. Kneeling on the floor

The correct answer is: Sitting on a bench on ischial tuberosity

For the Thomas Test, the client should begin in a position that allows for an accurate assessment of hip flexor tightness. Starting from a seated position on a bench, specifically on the ischial tuberosity, facilitates this assessment. This position helps to stabilize the pelvis while allowing one leg to hang off the edge of the bench. Having the client in this posture prepares them for the subsequent movements required to evaluate the flexibility of the hip flexors and the knee extension while minimizing the influence of other factors, such as the lumbar spine position. This specific setup is essential for observing any compensatory movements that may indicate tightness or restrictions in the hip flexors, providing the personal trainer with valuable information to guide further assessments and program design. In contrast, other positions such as standing upright, lying supine on a bench, or kneeling on the floor do not provide the same level of control and focus needed for accurately conducting the Thomas Test. These alternatives could lead to inaccurate assessments due to varying levels of support or the possibility of compensatory movements influencing the results.