Knee extension | | To assess hamstring muscle length in a position of hip flexion | | Range of assisted active knee extension measured (°) in a supine position with the hip of the testing leg held in 90° flexion24 |
Modified Thomas test (hip extension) | | To assess flexibility of the hip flexors | | In a supine position, the contralateral hip is held in maximal flexion with testing leg lowered towards the floor. Femur angle measured (°) relative to the horizontal25 |
Modified Thomas test (hip abduction) | | To assess degree of hip abduction | | Same as above. External rotation then added to the contralateral hip to move the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) of the left and right side into a parallel alignment. Femur angle measured (°) with the centre of the goniometer over the ipsilateral ASIS, with the flexible arm positioned to the opposite ASIS25 |
Hip internal and external rotation | | To assess range of hip rotation in a neutral hip position | | Prone position, with hips extended and testing knee flexed at 90°. Contralateral knee extended and line of tibia of testing leg measured (°) relative to the vertical24 |
Combined elevation | | To assess combined thoracic extension (strength and range of motion), shoulder girdle flexion and scapula retraction | | Prone position, arms outstretched, with feet, hips, chest and chin in contact with floor. Both arms raised off floor as high as possible without flexing elbows. Measured perpendicular distance (cm) from the base of the metacarpal of the thumb to the floor |
Prone four point hold | | To assess lower abdominal strength and endurance | | Prone position, elbows flexed at 90°. Trunk raised off floor, resting on forearms and toes, holding a neutral lumbopelvic position as long as possible. Measured length of time (s) neutral position held |
Bridging hold | | To assess gluteal strength and endurance | | Supine position, both knees flexed at 90°. Hips and pelvis raised off floor to attain a continuous alignment from the shoulder through to the hip and knee. Contralateral foot then raised off floor and, with the foot in a neutral position, knee fully extended without lowering the hips or arching the lower back. Measured length of time (s) this position held |
Ankle dorsiflexion lunge | | To assess range of dorsiflexion at the ankle joint and mobility in the midfoot | | Tape measure fixed along floor. Foot positioned beside tape so that heel line and big toe aligned. Heel held to prevent it from lifting off the floor and subtalar joint manually locked. Lunge forward until knee touches wall. Maximum distance (cm) from great toe to the wall recorded |
Calf heel raises | | To assess endurance of the ankle plantar flexor muscles in a weightbearing task | | Stand on one foot, rise onto ball of that foot as high as possible, then slowly lower heel while maintaining knee extension. Number of raise/lower cycles recorded |