Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 15, 2025

Non-invasive Assessments of Subjective and Objective Recovery Characteristics Following an Exhaustive Jump Protocol

Non-invasive Assessments of Subjective and Objective Recovery Characteristics Following an Exhaustive Jump Protocol

Published on: June 8, 2017

Diagnostic value of the jumping-up test in children with suspected acute appendicitis

Da Hyun Kim¹, Jun Sung Park¹, Min Kyo Chun¹

¹Department of Pediatric Emergency Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.

Pediatric Surgery International

|July 16, 2025

Insights

The Jumping-Up (J-Up) test is a sensitive tool for diagnosing appendicitis in children, particularly effective for complicated cases. This simple physical examination aids pediatric emergency care.

Area of Science:

Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Surgical Diagnostics
Clinical Assessment

Background:

Diagnosing acute appendicitis in children presents challenges due to non-specific symptoms and cooperation issues during physical exams.
Traditional diagnostic methods for pediatric appendicitis can be limited in accuracy and patient compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Jumping-Up (J-Up) test in children with suspected appendicitis.
To compare the sensitivity of the J-Up test against established physical examination signs for appendicitis.

Main Methods:

Prospective observational study of 129 children (aged 6-17) in a pediatric emergency department.
The Jumping-Up (J-Up) test assessed pain response upon landing after a jump.
Appendicitis diagnosis was confirmed via contrast-enhanced abdominal CT; J-Up test sensitivity was compared to rebound tenderness, psoas, obturator, and Rovsing's signs.

Main Results:

The J-Up test demonstrated higher sensitivity (80.3%) compared to rebound tenderness (69.7%) for diagnosing appendicitis.
In complicated appendicitis cases, the J-Up test achieved a sensitivity of 92.9%, surpassing other evaluated signs.
A total of 76 out of 129 enrolled children were diagnosed with appendicitis.

Conclusions:

The Jumping-Up (J-Up) test is a simple, effective diagnostic tool for pediatric appendicitis.
The J-Up test is particularly valuable for identifying complicated appendicitis cases.
This test can serve as a practical addition to traditional physical examination methods in pediatric emergency settings.

Read full analysis

Abstract

Background:

Diagnosing acute appendicitis in children is often difficult due to non-specific symptoms and limited cooperation during physical examination. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Jumping-Up (J-Up) test, and to compare it with traditional physical signs.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective observational study from September 2021 to July 2023 in the pediatric emergency department of Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Children aged 6-17 years with suspected appendicitis were enrolled. The J-Up test involved instructing patients to jump with both arms raised; the pain response during landing was then assessed. A positive result was defined by visible signs of pain, such as facial grimacing, abdominal guarding, or verbal complaints. Diagnosis was confirmed by contrast-enhanced abdominal CT. The sensitivity of the J-Up test was compared with the sensitivities of rebound tenderness, psoas sign, obturator sign, and Rovsing's sign.

Results:

Of the 129 children included, 76 were diagnosed with appendicitis. Mean age was 11.7 ± 3 years and 54.3% (n = 70) were male. The J-Up test was more sensitive (80.3%) than rebound tenderness (69.7%). In complicated cases of appendicitis, the J-Up test had a sensitivity of 92.9%, outperforming the other signs.

Conclusion:

The Jumping-Up test is a simple and effective tool for diagnosing appendicitis in children, especially in identifying complicated cases. It may serve as a practical adjunct to traditional methods of physical examination in pediatric emergency care.

Keywords:

Appendicitis Diagnosis Jumping-up test Pediatrics Physical examination

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition

Published on: September 22, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

RETRACTED: Atiq et al. Vitamin E Analog Trolox Attenuates MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Mice, Mitigating Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Motor Impairment. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 9942.

International journal of molecular sciences·2026

Diagnostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio for Kawasaki Disease in Children Presenting to the Emergency Department.

Pediatric emergency care·2026

Current Practice in the Diagnosis and Management of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections: A Survey of Korean Physicians in 2024.

Journal of Korean medical science·2026

Quality and concordance of international paediatric sepsis guidelines: a cross-sectional appraisal from the SENTINEL International study.

Archives of disease in childhood·2026

Safety and Effectiveness of Intramuscular Dexmedetomidine Versus Per-Rectal Thiopental for Pediatric Brain Computed Tomography Sedation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Pediatric emergency care·2026

Patterns of kidney involvement after corticosteroid treatment for extrarenal symptoms in pediatric IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura): phenotypes and outcomes.

Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany)·2026

See all related articles