The Ober test

The Ober test assesses the tightness of the iliotibial band (ITB). It is performed with the patient lying on the unaffected side. The examiner slightly abducts and extends the affected hip and flexes the knee. The patient is then asked to allow the affected leg to fall to the table passively, without actively adducting the hip (just letting it fall with gravity), while the examiner supports the patient's lower leg. Patients with ITB syndrome are more likely to have limited adduction of the leg with this maneuver (positive Ober test).