Test: DTR Medial Hamstring Test

Video Link

Background/Purpose

This test looks at the reflex response of the medial hamstring. It is also referred to as the Tibio-femoral-posterior reflex or TFP (Kolar, 2013).
It is used to assess the the motor response to stimulation of a quick stretch on the muscle. This test is meant to assess the L5 nerve root.
If there is no response it would be helpful to perform dermatome and muscle testing.

Procedure

The examiner places the subject in a prone or supine position with the knee slightly flexed. The examiner places their thumb on the semimembranosus, and/or semitendinosus muscle. The examiner then strikes their tumbnail with the reflex hammer.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Examiner taps the medial hamstring tendon.

Criteria

• Jerk response with knee flexion.

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail