Performing the Prone TVA Strength Test
1. Lay the client prone on the floor, with a Stabilizer Pressure Bio-Feedback cuff placed under the umbilicus.
2. Inflate the cuff to around 40mmHg (This may vary depending on the client).
3. Have the client breathe in and breathe out several times. When they exhale the blood pressure cuff should read 40mmHg.
4. With the client lying completely relaxed, ask them to draw their umbilicus upwards, off the cuff.
Prone TVA Strength Test
Record the reading from the blood pressure cuff. The pressure in the cuff decreasing by at least 10mmHg indicates normal strength. If the pressure decreases by less than 10mmHg then for every 1mmHg below the starting point represents 10% normal TVA function.
There are a number of cheat mechanisms employed by the client in an attempt to pass the test.
1. Activation of the hip flexors. Identified by increased pressure on the floor with the knees.
2. Pressing on the floor with the shoulders to create a cavity under the trunk.
3. Rolling to one side of the cuff.
4. Flexing or extending the lumbar spine. The spine should always remain in a neutral posture.
5. Coming up on to the toes.