Which of the following tests uses a leg raise to assess for malingering?

Which of the following tests uses a leg raise to assess for malingering?

• A. Waddell's signs
• B. Burns test
• C. Hoovers test
• D. Patrick's test

Answer: (C)

Hoover's test is specifically designed to assess for malingering by evaluating the patient's effort during a leg raise test. The procedure involves the examiner placing one hand under the heel of the involved leg while the patient is asked to lift the other leg. In healthy individuals, when one leg is raised, the opposite leg will typically press down into the examiner’s hand due to the engagement of the core and pelvic muscles. If the patient is not genuinely attempting to lift the leg, the examiner will feel little or no downward pressure when the patient attempts the test, indicating an inconsistency that suggests the possibility of malingering. In contrast, Waddell's signs encompass a broader assessment of non-organic signs that may indicate inappropriate illness behavior but includes various tests beyond just the leg raise. The Burns test is focused on evaluating reflexes and pain behavior rather than directly assessing effort during a leg raise. Patrick's test, or FABER test, is aimed at assessing hip joint dysfunction or sacroiliac joint pain and does not have any implications regarding effort or malingering. Thus, Hoover's test stands out as the appropriate measure for assessing sincerity in patient-reported leg elevation.

Hoover's test is specifically designed to assess for malingering by evaluating the patient's effort during a leg raise test. The procedure involves the examiner placing one hand under the heel of the involved leg while the patient is asked to lift the other leg. In healthy individuals, when one leg is raised, the opposite leg will typically press down into the examiner’s hand due to the engagement of the core and pelvic muscles. If the patient is not genuinely attempting to lift the leg, the examiner will feel little or no downward pressure when the patient attempts the test, indicating an inconsistency that suggests the possibility of malingering.

In contrast, Waddell's signs encompass a broader assessment of non-organic signs that may indicate inappropriate illness behavior but includes various tests beyond just the leg raise. The Burns test is focused on evaluating reflexes and pain behavior rather than directly assessing effort during a leg raise. Patrick's test, or FABER test, is aimed at assessing hip joint dysfunction or sacroiliac joint pain and does not have any implications regarding effort or malingering. Thus, Hoover's test stands out as the appropriate measure for assessing sincerity in patient-reported leg elevation.