Ober's Test

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Search Strategy[edit | edit source]

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Definition/Description[edit | edit source]

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Purpose
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The Ober's test is performed to assess for tightness of the illiotibial band and the tensor fascia lata along the lateral aspect of the hip and thigh.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]

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Technique[edit | edit source]

www.youtube.com/watch



Test position[1][2]:

  • Patient should be in sidelying with the affect side up
  • Bottom knee and hip should be flexed
  • For consistency in testing, some suggest using top hand and arm to be placed under the flexed knee holding onto the side of the table. Note the angle of the hip and knee which should be near 90/90. This may allow for better reproduction for future testing

Test:

  • Extend and Abduct the hip joint
  • Slowly lower the leg toward the table -adduct hip- until motion is restricted
  • Ensure that the hip does not internally rotate during the test and the pelvis must be stabilized to maintain position

Results:

Test is Positive for tightness of the structures mentioned above, if the leg remains abducted.


Key Research[edit | edit source]

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There are limited studies to support the validity of this test.

A study by Reese et al shows a significant difference in ROM between testing with the affected knee flexed vs. extended during testing, however reliability was .9 and .91 respectively.


http://www.udel.edu/PT/PT%20Clinical%20Services/journalclub/sojc/04_05/mar05/inclinometerobers.pdf   

Resources
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F. R. Ober:
The role of the iliotibial band and fascia lata as a factor in the causation of low-back disabilities and diabilities and sciatica.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Boston, 1936, 18: 105-110.

This test is also known as the Ober's Abduction Sign and Ober's sign

Clinical Bottom Line[edit | edit source]

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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[3]References[edit | edit source]

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  1. ↑ Magee D. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 2nd ed.Pennsylvania:WB Saunders, 1992. p354-355.
  2. ↑ Hoppenfeld S. Physical Examination of the spine and Extremeities. London: Prentice-Hall International 1976.p167.
  3. ↑ William E. Melchione, M. Scott Sullivan. Reliability of Measurements Obtained by Use of an Instrument Designed to Indirectly Measure Iliotibial Band Length. J Orthopedic Sports Physician Therapy 1993;18(3):511-515.

[1]

  1. ↑ William E. Melchione, M. Scott Sullivan. Reliability of Measurements Obtained by Use of an Instrument Designed to Indirectly Measure Iliotibial Band Length. J Orthopedic Sports Physician Therapy 1993;18(3):511-515.
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