Manual muscle testing dynamometer methods for assessing lower-extremity strength
| Movement | Participant position | Assessor stabilising hand | Dynamometer placement | Assessor instruction to participant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip flexion | Sitting in chair | Low back | Distal third, anterior part of thigh | Bring your thigh up towards the ceiling |
| Hip extension | Standing, holding wall or chair | Low back | Distal third, posterior part of thigh | Bring your leg towards me/push your leg back (keep back straight) |
| Knee flexion | Sitting in chair | 2 inches above knee | Distal third of lower leg, posterior part of shin | Pull your ankle/lower leg towards your body; bend your knee |
| Knee extension | Sitting in chair | 2 inches above knee | Distal third of lower leg, anterior part of shin | Push your ankle/lower leg towards me; straighten your knee |
| Ankle plantarflexion | Long sitting in chair (feet up on chair) | 2 inches above ankle | Over head of metatarsal bones, palmar side | Push your toes towards the floor; point your toes |
| Ankle dorsiflexion | Long sitting in chair (feet up on chair) | 2 inches above ankle | Over head of metatarsal bones, dorsal side | Pull your toes upwards towards the ceiling |