The Active Straight Leg Raise as an Abdominal Strength Test

You can use the ASLR as an abdominal strength test to give you an idea where to start. While lying on your back put your hand behind your lower back. Try to raise your right leg up 20 cm off the floor without bending your knee. As you raise your leg you should not feel your lower back arch up off the floor. Score your ability as follows:

0 = no difficulty at all
1 = minimal difficulty
2 = somewhat difficult
3 = fairly difficult
4 = very difficult
5 = unable to do

Repeat this exercise with your left leg.

The sum of these scores can be used to guide you through the difficulty of the exercise ball exercises. For example, if you score 0-2, you can probably advance to the intermediate exercises more quickly than someone who scores higher than a 2. If you score higher on this abdominal strength test than an 8, proceed cautiously and spend lots of time familiarizing yourself with the beginner exercises prior to advancing to the more difficult ones.

If you feel any discomfort doing the above test, then contact a physical therapist prior to beginning any exercise ball exercises. You do not have enough trunk control to begin without supervision. Read our precautions.


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