Single Leg Squat (SLS) Test

The single-leg squat test is a commonly used functional test of the hip and lower leg, and also has an element of balance.

purpose: to measure the strength of the lower body, particularly the quadriceps and gluteal muscle groups, and the hip stabilizers.
equipment required: none
procedure: Stand on one leg while the other leg is lifted off the ground in front of the body so that the hip is flexed to approximately 45° and the knee of the non-stance leg flexed to approximately 90°. The arms are held straight out in front, with the hands clasped together. From this position, squat down until about 60° knee flexion, then return to the start position. Note the leg that was tested.

scoring: clinical observation usually involves assessment of knee and hip stability.
variations / alternatives: see also these other hip and thigh strength tests: wall sit test, chair stand and the home squat test. There is also some balance tests which require standing on one leg: the Flamingo Balance and Stork Stand Test
advantages: This test is simple to perform and requires minimal equipment.
comments:
- This functional test is popular in the rehabilitation fields, used when deciding whether to allow an athlete to return to play or advance further in a rehabilitation progression.
- This test has elements of the Trendelenburg test - a stationary single leg clinical test to evaluate hip-abduction strength.
- The one-legged squat strength exercise/test is also called "pistols".
references:
- Livengood AL, DiMattia MA, Uhl TL. "Dynamic Trendelenburg": Single-Leg-Squat Test for Gluteus Medius Strength. Athletic Therapy Today. 2004;9(1):24-25.
- DiMattia MA, Livengood AL, Uhl TL, Mattacola CG, Malone TR . Validating The Single-Leg Squat Test As A Functional Test For Hip Abduction Strength. J Athl Train. 2004 Apr–Jun; 39(Suppl 2): S-81–S-119.
- DiMattia MA, Livengood AL, Uhl TL, Mattacola CG, Malone TR. What Are the Validity of the Single-Leg-Squat Test and Its Relationship to Hip-Abduction Strength? Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2005;14(2):108.

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