Kendall test

• This test is also known as the rectus femoris contracture test.
• This test is applied in the clinic to check the tightness of the rectus femoris muscle.
• It is applied by a therapist or doctor.
• It is a clinical test for performance.
• Another test is to check the tightness of the rectus femoris muscle = Ely’s test.

Purpose of the Kendall test

• This Kendall test is used to check the spasticity/tightness of the rectus femoris muscle.
• It also checks the weakness or contracture of the rectus femoris muscle.

How to perform the Kendall test?

• The starting position for the test is supine.
• In the supine with the knees bent over the end or edge of the examining table.
• The patient flexed one knee onto the chest & held it.
• The angle of the test knee should remain at 90′ when the opposite knee is flexed to the chest.
• If it does not mean the test knee extended slightly, a contracture i probably present.

• he examiner may attempt to passively flex the knee to see whether it remains at 90′ of its own volition.
• The examiner must always palpate the muscle to check the tightness when performing any contracture test.
• If there is no palpable tightness, the probable cause of restriction is tight joint structures like a capsule & the end feel will be different means muscle stretch versus capsular.

• This test is also applied on two sides.
• Compared to the result of both sides means affected/unaffected side.

Critical Review of the Kendall Test

• This Kendall test is a clinical test & performed by the therapist.
• The importance of the positive Kendall test is spasticity or tightness of the rectus femoris muscle in the uncertain.
• This clinical test checks the contracture of the rectus femoris muscle.