Which of the following could be the cause of poor mobility in the active straight leg raise assessment?

In the context of the active straight leg raise assessment, poor mobility can often be attributed to various factors affecting the kinetic chain, including the stiffness of the IT band. The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee. Stiffness in this band can lead to a lack of flexibility in the lateral structures of the hip and thigh, inhibiting the ability to raise the leg straight up toward the ceiling effectively.

When the IT band is too tight, it can limit the range of motion at the hip joint by creating tension that restricts movement. This can result in compensatory patterns elsewhere in the body, such as increased reliance on the lower back or other muscle groups to achieve motion that should ideally come from the hip itself. Consequently, individuals may struggle with achieving a straight leg lift, reflecting poor mobility as assessed in the active straight leg raise.

Other factors such as weakness of the hip flexors, overactive hamstrings, or poor thoracic mobility can also contribute to movement dysfunction, but in the case of the assessment mentioned, the stiffness of the IT band stands out as a primary factor that restricts the hip's ability to flex appropriately and