What is the Slump Test used for?

Detecting Neural Tension anywhere in the spinal tract (more sensitive than the Straight Leg Raise).

How do you perform the Slump Test?

Step 1: Patient sits at the edge of the bed and slumps shoulders/back forward.Step 2: Patient flexes neck (chin to chest).Step 3: Examiner passively extends (straightens) the patient's knee.Step 4: Examiner passively dorsiflexes the foot.

What is a positive result for the Slump Test?

Positive Test: Reproduction of sciatic or neural pain.Confirmation: If the patient looks up (extends neck) and the leg pain disappears, the test is positive (confirms neural origin).

What is the diagnostic accuracy of the Slump Test?

Sensitivity: 84%Specificity: 83%

Slump Test – Spine Special Test

What is it used for?

Detecting Neural Tension anywhere in the spinal tract (more sensitive than the Straight Leg Raise).

How to Perform

Step 1: Patient sits at the edge of the bed and slumps shoulders/back forward.
Step 2: Patient flexes neck (chin to chest).
Step 3: Examiner passively extends (straightens) the patient's knee.
Step 4: Examiner passively dorsiflexes the foot.

Interpretation of Results

Positive Test: Reproduction of sciatic or neural pain.
Confirmation: If the patient looks up (extends neck) and the leg pain disappears, the test is positive (confirms neural origin).

Diagnostic Accuracy

Sensitivity: 84%
Specificity: 83%

Clinical Context & Limitations

The Slump Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.

Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Spine region, combining the Slump Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.