OBER'S

TEST

​• Test positioning

The client lies on the side with the hips and knees extended such that the test leg is superior to the non-test leg.

The therapist stands with the proximal hand stabilizing the pelvis and the distal hand supporting the lower leg.

​• Action

With the pelvis stabilized to prevent rolling, abduct and extend the test hip in order to position the iliotibial band (ITB) behind the greater trochanter.

Then allow the leg to slowly lower (adduct).

​• Positive finding

The inability of the leg to adduct and touch the table is indicative of ITB (particularly the tensor fasciae latae) tightness.

The leg will react like a "springboard" since the leg remains abducted in mid-air.

​• Special considerations & comments

It is important to apply a downward force on the ilium near the crest while allowing the leg to adduct.

This will prevent lateral tilting (ie, inferior movement) of the pelvis on the side of the test leg, which could give a false-negative result.

Additionally, it is important to ensure complete relaxation of the hip abductor muscles.

It may be helpful to have the client actively adduct the test leg into the support hand and then relax in order to inhibit hip abductor muscle guarding.

This test was originally described by Ober to be performed with the knee flexed.

However, it has been modified because it is believed that a greater stretch is placed upon the ITB when the knee is in an extended position.

Furthermore, performing this test with the knee in flexion places greater tension on the femoral nerve, requiring the examiner to be cognizant of associated neurological complaints.