The passive hamstring stretch test: a comparison of clinical estimates with tension gauge measurements.

A comparison of the clinical estimate of the available passive stretch in the hamstring muscles is made against the changing tension in a spring gauge, as the leg is raised. It was found that the angle at which rotation was palpable in the contralateral anterior superior spine occurred after there was a sharp rise in the tension measurements. The spring gauge was incorporated in a pulley system which allowed the leg to be pulled up and the tension readings were taken at 5 degrees increments of raise. Comparison of the clinical estimates with the tension gauge measurements show the latter to be a more reliable and objective research tool.