Straight Leg Raise - Hip Flexor & Quadriceps Strength & Orthopaedic Test for Lumbar Disc Herniations
Exercise Overview
The straight leg raise is commonly used to strengthen the hip flexors and quadriceps while maintaining knee extension control. In orthopaedic assessment, the same movement is also used as a neural tension test to help identify possible lumbar disc herniation or lumbosacral nerve root irritation.
Muscles Involved
IliopsoasRectus femorisQuadricepsTensor fasciae lataeSartorius
Related Conditions
Hip flexor weaknessQuadriceps weaknessPost-operative knee rehabilitationLumbar disc herniation screeningSciaticaLumbosacral nerve root irritation