ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the relationship between the rectus femoris and hip flexors during the Thomas Test?

1. Rectus femoris is a hip extensor

2. Rectus femoris also crosses the knee joint

3. Rectus femoris is not involved in hip flexion

4. Rectus femoris does not affect lower limb flexibility

The correct answer is: Rectus femoris also crosses the knee joint

The rectus femoris is a unique muscle in the quadriceps group because it has dual functions; it not only extends the knee but also plays a crucial role in hip flexion. During the Thomas Test, which is used to assess hip flexor tightness and overall hip flexibility, the posture affects how these muscles interact. When the hip is flexed, the rectus femoris facilitates this movement due to its path and point of attachment. In this context, recognizing that the rectus femoris also crosses the knee joint is significant as it influences how the muscle behaves when assessing hip flexor tightness. If the rectus femoris is tight, it can restrict movement at both the hip and the knee, impacting overall lower limb functionality. Therefore, acknowledging its involvement in both hip flexion and knee extension is essential for understanding its role in the assessment of hip flexor tightness during the Thomas Test. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the role of the rectus femoris: it is indeed involved in hip flexion, it is not a hip extensor, and it does affect lower limb flexibility.