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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 stabilizer muscles.
equipment required: none
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
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. In the single leg squat test which was once performed at NHL combine, each player must perform five successive repetitions on each leg, with each squat worth 15 points with a maximum score of 75 (per leg).
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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FAQs
The single leg squat test (SLST) is a functional performance test that is used by clinicians and researchers to assess neuromuscular performance of the trunk and lower extremity. The SLST is commonly used for injury prevention screening and physical rehabilitation evaluation.
How do you test single leg strength? ›
Similar Tests
- One-Leg Vertical Jump — jumping from one leg, landing on both.
- Single-Leg Wall Sit — hold a sitting position with the weight on one leg, while leaning back against a wall.
- 1RM Squat Test.
- Chair Stand — stand up repeatedly from a chair for 30 seconds.
- Home squat test — perform as many squats as you can.
How To Perform A Single Leg Press Strength Test. The subject is typically seated, either horizontally or at a fixed angle, and is required to push a footplate loaded with additional weight through a set range of motion using their lower limbs for a given number of repetitions.
What is the purpose of the squat test? ›
Purpose. The overhead squat test is a subjective screening assessment used to obtain a general indication of dynamic posture. The test identifies compensatory movements and considers muscles which could potentially be overactive or underactive with the intention of addressing these muscle imbalances.
What is the single leg stance test used for? ›
Purpose. The Single Leg Stance (SLS) Test is used to assess static postural and balance control. The SLS Test is a balance assessment that is widely used in clinical settings to monitor neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
What is the point of single leg squats? ›
What It Does: Works your stabilizing muscles. Lowering on one leg requires serious control and stability, so you'll build lower body strength. It fires up smaller muscles to balance your body, which can help avoid injury. This series of variations allows you to slowly build up to the move and reap all its benefits.
What is the single leg test for health? ›
Researchers say the ability to stand on one leg for at least 10 seconds can be an indicator of your overall health. They say a lack of balance can be a sign of underlying health issues. Other indicators such as grip strength and walking speed have also been linked to overall health.
How long should a 70 year old be able to stand on one leg? ›
At least 40 seconds if you're 50-59. 35 seconds if you're 60-69. 20 seconds if you're aged 70 to 79 and 5 seconds if you're aged 80 and above. If you can't manage last the whole time, we have some tips on how to boost your strength and mobility.
What is a valid test for leg strength? ›
Key Points. Isometric mid-thigh pulls and squats are reliable tests that can differentiate between strength ability of participants.
How to do a leg strength test? ›
How to conduct the test
- The athlete warms up for 10 minutes.
- The assistant, using cones, marks out a 25-metre section.
- The athlete starts at cone A.
- The athlete uses a jog run-up to the start line cone (B) and then hops the 25-metre section to the finish line (C) on the right leg as fast as possible.
Why Is Single Leg Press Much Harder? The single leg press requires greater stability than the bilateral leg press, making it a more challenging variation.
How to do a single-leg squat test? ›
The arms are held straight out in front, with the hands clasped together. From this position, client squats down until about 60° knee flexion, then returns to the start position. Note the leg that was tested.
What is the single-leg squat test for ACL? ›
One of the most common ways to assess the progress of a patients' ACL rehabilitation is by using a single-leg squat test. In this test, subjects stand on a single leg and are told to squat as deep as possible for a specific number of repetitions in a pre-determined time frame.
What does the one leg stand test? ›
The one-leg stand is another field sobriety exercise the police use to determine if a motorist is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The test requires the motorist to balance on one leg for 30 seconds.
What type of assessment is the single-leg squat assessment Nasm? ›
Single-Leg Squat Assessment
The assessment is used to look at the dynamic posture, strength, balance, and neuromuscular control all in a single-limb stance. Like with the overhead squat, the single leg squat is a valid time to find the movement impairments, especially so with knee valgus.
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