Fitness Testing

90/90 or Active Knee Extension (AKE) Hamstring Flexibility Test

purpose: to assess the range of active knee extension in a position of hip flexion, as required in running and kicking.
equipment required: goniometer with extended arms and spirit level (optional), and a firm table.
description / procedure: The subject lies supine, head back and arms across the chest. The hip is passively flexed until the thigh is vertical (use the spirit level if available). Maintain this thigh position throughout the test, with the opposite leg in a fully extended position. The foot of the leg being tested is kept relaxed, while the leg is actively straightened until the point when the thigh begins to move from the vertical position. The thigh angle at this point is recorded.

measurement: measure the minimum angle of knee flexion with the thigh in the vertical position. The measurement unit is degrees. If the leg is able to be fully straightened, the angle would be recorded as 0. Any degree of flexion will be recorded as a positive number, e.g. 10, 20 degrees etc. In cases where the full knee extension is achieved without thigh movement, the knee is flexed and the thigh is moved to 30 degrees past the vertical position, and the knee again straightened. The angle of knee flexion at which the thigh begins to move is again recorded.