Test: DTR Lateral Hamstring Test

Video Link

Background/Purpose

This test looks at the reflex response of the lateral hamstring. It is also referred to as the Peroneal-femoral-posterior reflex or PFP (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 S1 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 biceps femoris tendon. The examiner then strikes their tumbnail with the reflex hammer.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Examiner taps the lateral hamstring tendon.

Criteria

• Slight muscle twitch when tendon hit

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail