In neurosurgery, the leg holding test is used for a rapid, although rough, assessment of the symmetry of muscle strength in the lower extremities.
Performance
For this test, the patient lies supine with the eyes closed. The legs are raised and flexed at the hips and knees. If one or both legs drift downward, the test is considered pathological.
Definition
According to the NIHSS criteria, there is no drift if the legs can be held at 30 degrees for at least 5 seconds.