Backsaver Sit and Reach Test | Hamstring Length Assessment

The Backsaver Sit and Reach Test is a common orthopedic test to assess the length of the hamstring muscles that are commonly short. It’s often used as the official standardized method to assess hamstring length clinically in research with the use of the Sit and Reach Box.
Ayala et al. (2012) evaluated the Backsaver Sit and Reach Test regardings its intra-rater reliability and found an ICC of 0.97, which is a very high value. The authors mentioned that an observer change of 5.59° would indicate a real change in hamstring flexibility.

Have your patient sit with one knee flexed against the chest to stabilize the pelvis and the other knee extended. The patient then attempts to flex the trunk and touch the toes of the extended leg with his fingers.
The test is repeated on the other side.

The test is positive for tight hamstring muscles if the patient cannot reach at least his toes.

Other common orthopedic tests to assess muscle length around the hip:

• Ober’s Test (Tensor Fascia Latae)
• Ely’s Test (Rectus Femoris)
• Phelp’s Test (Gracilis)
• 90-90 Straight Leg Raise Test (Hamstrings)
• Kendall Test (Rectus Femoris)
• Tripod Sign (Hamstrings)
• Thomas Test (Iliopsoas Length Testing)

Ayala, F., de Baranda, P. S., Croix, M. D. S., & Santonja, F. (2012). Absolute reliability of five clinical tests for assessing hamstring flexibility in professional futsal players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 15(2), 142-147.