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.
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