Phelps Test

To test for adductor tightness, use the Thomas test or Phelps Test. The patient lies supine on an examination table, and the practitioner moves the legs outward to assess hip abduction. Tightness in the adductor muscles restricts this range of motion, indicating limited flexibility or muscle contracture.

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The Phelps Test is a reliable way to assess the gracilis muscle. It involves positioning the patient prone and abducting the legs with extended and flexed knees. An increased abduction range after knee flexion indicates gracilis contracture. This muscle’s involvement in hip adduction and knee flexion makes this test particularly useful.

The Phelps Test assesses hip abduction contractures by measuring the change in hip abduction with the knee flexed to 90 degrees. If hip abduction improves with knee flexion, it suggests the gracilis muscle causes the contracture. This test helps identify muscle imbalances and informs the development of treatment plans.