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Static Flexibility Test - Ankle

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider the factors influencing the results.

Objective

This test aims to monitor the development of the athlete's Ankle flexibility/mobility.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Flat non-slip surface
  • Wall
  • Ruler
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The athlete removes their shoes
  • The athlete stands to face the wall, feet together close to the base of the wall, arms outstretched above the head on the wall and chest against the wall
  • The athlete slowly moves both feet away from the wall as far as possible
  • The assistant checks to ensure that the athlete's feet are together, heels on the ground, chest against the wall and arms outstretched above the head on the wall – the athlete is to adjust their position so these conditions are met
  • The assistant measures and records the distance along the ground from the wall to the big toes
  • The test is repeated three times, and the longest distance is used to assess the athlete's performance
 Ankle Flexibility

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test. The table is for athletes aged under 36 (Johnson 1986)[1]

Assessment Male Female
Inches Centimetres Inches Centimetres
Excellent >34.90 >88.89 >31.99 >81.27
Good 34.90 - 32.50 88.89 - 82.55 31.99 - 30.50 81.27 - 77.47
Average 32.49 - 29.50 82.54 - 74.93 30.49 - 26.50 77.46 - 67.31
Fair 29.49 - 26.50 74.92 - 67.31 26.49 - 24.25 67.30 - 61.60
Poor <26.50 <67.31 <24.25 <61.60

For assessing the athlete's performance, select the gender, enter the distance, select the measurement units (Inches or Centimetres) and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender   Distance     Assessment

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's flexibility with appropriate training between each test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and therefore, test reliability.

Target Group

These tests are suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

  • Minimal equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. JOHNSON, B.L. and NELSON, J.K. (1986) Practical Measurements for Evaluation in PE. 4th ed. Minneapolis: Burgess Publishing

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2007) Static Flexibility Test - Ankle [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/flextest.htm [Accessed