If a client is side-lying with the knee flexed to 60 degrees, what does pushing down on the leg test?

Pushing down on the leg while a client is side-lying with the knee flexed to 60 degrees primarily assesses the strength and function of the hip abductors. When the knee is flexed at this angle, the hip is in a position where the tightness or weakness of the hip abductors, which include muscles such as the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, can be evaluated effectively.

In this position, when resistance is applied by pushing down on the leg, the hip abductors must work to stabilize and prevent the leg from being pushed downward. If they are weak or unable to generate sufficient force, this may indicate a potential issue with hip abductor strength.

In contrast, the piriformis test specifically evaluates the piriformis muscle, often in relation to sciatic nerve impingement, and does not utilize the same positioning or focus as hip abductor strength assessment. The other listed options, quadricep strength and hamstring flexibility, involve different movements and positions that do not correspond to the context provided in this situation. Thus, the correct interpretation of the test is centered around hip abductor strength.