Static flexibility test – ankle

The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete’s ankle flexibility.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Wall
• 1 metre ruler
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

Starting position

• Stand facing a wall.
• Feet flat on the ground toes touching the wall.
• Lean into the wall.

Movement

• Slowly slide the feet back from the wall as far as possible.
• Keep the feet flat on the ground, body and knees fully extended and the chest in contact with the wall.
• Measure the distance between the toe line and the wall- to the nearest ¼ of an inch.
• Repeat the test 3 times and record the best distance.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

Normative data for the ankle flexibility test

Measurement are in inches.

Rating	Men	Women
Excellent	> 35.00	> 32.00
Good	35.00 – 32.51	32.00 – 30.51
Average	32.50 – 29.51	30.50 – 26.50
Fair	29.50 – 26.50	26.50 – 24.25
Poor	< 26.50	< 24.25

Target group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual’s level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are published tables to relate results to potential level of flexibility and the correlation is high.