Which is not a spine mobility test?

• A. Slump test
• B. SLR
• C. Gillet's march test
• D. Phalen's test

Answer: (D)

The idea behind this item is to distinguish tests that assess movement or mobility of the spine (and related joints) from tests that target nerves or peripheral sites. The slump test and the straight-leg raise are neurodynamic tests—they provoke neural tissue tension along the spinal axis and lower limb, involving the spine but not primarily evaluating spinal joint mobility. Gillet’s march tests sacroiliac joint motion, which is a spine/pelvis mobility assessment. Phalen’s test, on the other hand, is used to provoke symptoms of median nerve compression at the carpal tunnel in the wrist; it does not involve the spine at all. So Phalen’s test is not a spine mobility test.