What does a positive result in the Lewin Standing Test indicate?

What does a positive result in the Lewin Standing Test indicate?

• A. Increase in anterior thigh pain
• B. Increase in posterior leg pain
• C. Decrease in range of motion
• D. Instability of the knee joint

Answer: (B)

A positive result in the Lewin Standing Test indicates an increase in posterior leg pain, which suggests potential issues related to the lower back or sciatic nerve, particularly conditions like lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis. During the test, the patient is typically asked to stand and flex their knee, and if there is increased pain radiating down the back of the leg, it may imply that there is irritation of the nerve structures in the lumbar region. This increase in pain can point toward specific pathologies involving nerve root compression, which is critical during physical assessments as it helps in determining further diagnostic steps or treatment needs. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect what this test is designed to assess. For example, anterior thigh pain or instability of the knee joint are not primary considerations associated with the Lewin Standing Test, as it is more focused on posterior symptoms that may arise from the lower back. Decrease in range of motion is also not a direct indicator presented by this particular test result; rather, the primary concern pointed out is the pain experienced in the posterior leg, which guides the assessment further.

A positive result in the Lewin Standing Test indicates an increase in posterior leg pain, which suggests potential issues related to the lower back or sciatic nerve, particularly conditions like lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis. During the test, the patient is typically asked to stand and flex their knee, and if there is increased pain radiating down the back of the leg, it may imply that there is irritation of the nerve structures in the lumbar region. This increase in pain can point toward specific pathologies involving nerve root compression, which is critical during physical assessments as it helps in determining further diagnostic steps or treatment needs.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect what this test is designed to assess. For example, anterior thigh pain or instability of the knee joint are not primary considerations associated with the Lewin Standing Test, as it is more focused on posterior symptoms that may arise from the lower back. Decrease in range of motion is also not a direct indicator presented by this particular test result; rather, the primary concern pointed out is the pain experienced in the posterior leg, which guides the assessment further.