ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is indicated if a client's knee bends 70 degrees or less during the Thomas Test?

1. The rectus femoris is flexible

2. The iliopsoas is overly flexible

3. The iliotibial band is tight

4. The lumbar spine is neutral

The correct answer is: The iliotibial band is tight

When a client's knee bends 70 degrees or less during the Thomas Test, it indicates that the iliotibial (IT) band is tight. The Thomas Test is primarily used to assess hip flexor tightness, but it also provides insights into the flexibility of other structures surrounding the hip and knee, particularly the IT band. A limited range of motion at the knee suggests that the tightness in the IT band may be restricting the ability of the knee to flex properly when the hip is in extension. In this context, the other options do not align with the results of the test: tightness in the rectus femoris would typically allow for more knee flexion, and if the iliopsoas were overly flexible, it would not lead to restricted knee movement. Additionally, if the lumbar spine were neutral, it would not contribute to the observed limitation in knee flexion. Thus, the observed knee flexion of 70 degrees or less serves as a clear indicator of tightness in the iliotibial band.