The Active Straight Leg Raise

The Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) is an important test in diagnosing pelvic girdle pain (PGP). This study investigated normal EMG activity during the ASLR in healthy subjects. During leg raising the Rectus Femoris (RF) was ipsilaterally active, Biceps Femoris (BF) contralaterally, and the abdominal muscles bilaterally. Hip flexion causes forward pull of the ipsilateral ilium. This is counteracted by contralateral BF activity. However this is only useful when the two sides of the pelvis act as a single unit, so when they are pressed together by force closure. Problems with this force closure can unable patients to perform the ASLR. Abdominal wall activity (ipsilateral Transverses abdominis and Obliquus abdominis internus) counteracts forward rotation of the ilium as well > from Hu et al.; Manual Therapy 17 (2012) 531-537. All rights reserved to Elsevier Ltd.