Neurodynamic tests

Question 1

General rules

Answer 1

not for irritable pain
no pillows and make sure they’re in a reproducible position (no crossed legs/arms)
look at facial expressions
looking to reproduce symptoms
start on asymptomatic side
change one joint at a time
+ve test = pain or sensations of tingling or numbness
look for R1, R2.

Question 2

passive neck flexion

Answer 2

supine, hands under occiput, lift up

Question 3

ULNT 1 - median N

Answer 3

supine, arm OEOB, shoulder abducted, flexed elbow, supinated hand.
1. pull on open hand down, in elbow flexion
2. move into elbow extension
3. ask to laterally flex away

Question 4

ULNT2a - Median N

Answer 4

supine, diagonally on plinth, shoulder just over EOB
maintain scap depression with my hips but facing their feet.
1. abduct shoulder slightly, ext rotate arm, ext elbow and fingers
2. add shoulder abduction
3. Cx lateral flexion to opp side

Question 5

ULNT2b - Radial N

Answer 5

supine, diagonally on plinth, shoulder just over EOB.
1. shoulder abducted a bit, elbow and wrist flexed (my hand/arm over theirs) hold in pronation.
other hand under elbow.
2. extend elbow
3. Cx lat flexion to opp side

Question 6

ULNT3 - Ulnar N

Answer 6

“goggle test”
block shoulder into depression by gripping EOB.
shoulder abd a bit, elbow flexed,
1. pronation with my hand over theirs.
fingers to shoudler motion, stabilise elbow with my hips.
2. shoulder abduction by my hips
3. Cx lateral flx to opp side

Question 7

SLR

Answer 7

sciatic N.
supine, DF foot and hold knee into extension.
1. lift leg up
2. add int rotation
3. add adduction
4. add Cx flexion

Question 8

Slump test

Answer 8

SOEB, knee pits up against bed.
1. thoracic flexion, overpressure
2. cervical flexion, overpressure
3. knee extension
4. DF passive
5. gently release Cx flexion