The Ankle Plantarflexion Test measures how far a client can point the foot down and away from the body. It is useful for tracking ankle mobility, comparing sides and adding context to calf raises, push-off, running, jumping, kneeling and lower-limb movement.
A client may report stiffness at the front of the ankle, reduced push-off while running, difficulty pointing the toes or discomfort in positions that require the foot to move downward. Rather than relying on visual judgement, the Ankle Plantarflexion Test gives movement professionals a repeatable way to measure plantarflexion ROM and track change over time.
The MAT source describes a supine ankle plantarflexion ROM test using the Measurz inclinometer, with the client actively pushing the foot down and away from the body. It lists at least 40 degrees as a practical reference value, while noting that ROM varies between individuals.
Test name: Ankle Plantarflexion Test
Purpose: Assess ankle plantarflexion range of motion
What it assesses: The ability to point the foot down and away from the body
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: Plantarflexion angle in degrees
Best used with: Ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion, first toe extension, weight-bearing plantar flexion and calf raise testing
Key limitation: It measures ROM only; it does not explain the cause of restriction or functional capacity on its own
The Ankle Plantarflexion Test is a range of motion assessment for plantarflexion. Plantarflexion is the movement used when pointing the toes, pressing the forefoot into the ground, rising onto the ball of the foot or pushing off during gait and running.
This test is used to establish a baseline, compare sides, monitor progress and add context to lower-limb tasks where ankle movement matters. It may be useful when assessing calf raise capacity, running push-off, jumping, kneeling, gait or ankle mobility programming.
The test measures ankle plantarflexion ROM in degrees.
It does not measure calf strength, Achilles loading capacity, first toe mobility, pain source, running performance or overall lower-limb function.
This test is commonly performed as active ROM, where the client points the foot as far as possible. Passive ROM may also be recorded if the movement professional moves the foot for the client. Active and passive results should be labelled separately and not compared as the same score.
This test may be useful for runners, jump-sport athletes, dancers, gym clients, ankle mobility clients, calf/Achilles loading programmes and anyone where push-off, toe-pointing or ankle movement is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Treatment table or mat
Measurz app
Notes field for side, pain score, symptoms and active/passive method
Ask the client to remove shoes and socks. Position the client supine on a table or mat with the leg relaxed. The movement professional stands near the test ankle where the inclinometer can be aligned clearly.
Open the Measurz inclinometer and press play. Ask the client to push the foot down and away from the body as far as they can. Align the inclinometer with the first metatarsal and malleolus, following the plantarflexed foot as required. Pause and save the result in Measurz. Repeat on the other side if side comparison is needed.
Ask the client whether the movement produces pain, tightness, pinching, cramping or a stretch sensation. Stop if symptoms meaningfully change the movement or the client cannot maintain the test position.
Record the score in degrees. A higher value indicates greater plantarflexion ROM under the tested method.
A lower ROM result provides useful movement information, but it does not explain the cause on its own. Interpret it alongside pain, symptoms, strength, weight-bearing plantar flexion, calf raise performance, side-to-side comparison and related functional findings.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Published clinical reference values commonly list ankle plantarflexion ROM at approximately 40–50 degrees, depending on the measurement method and source. This should be used as general context, not as a universal benchmark or pass/fail cut-off.
When the exact testing protocol, measurement device, position and population do not match the reference source, interpretation should rely more heavily on practical comparisons, including:
the client’s own baseline ROM
side-to-side comparison
active versus passive ROM differences
pain, stiffness or symptom response
movement quality and compensations
progress across repeated sessions
This makes the result more useful for monitoring change over time, rather than judging the client against a single “normal” value.
Recent ROM measurement research supports the importance of standardising device placement, landmarks, assessor training and repeat testing. A 2023 study comparing common clinical goniometric devices found that measurement error is an important consideration when interpreting ROM change, while a 2025 systematic review of lower-limb ROM measurement reported wide variability in reliability across goniometry, photogrammetry and smartphone methods.
Small changes in ankle plantarflexion should therefore be interpreted cautiously unless the same method, same position and same device placement are used across sessions.
Common errors include testing with shoes on, inconsistent inclinometer placement, allowing whole-leg movement, confusing toe movement with ankle movement, switching between active and passive testing, and assuming the reference value applies to every client.
Use this test to establish ankle plantarflexion baseline, compare sides, monitor response to mobility or loading programmes and add context to calf raises, running, jumping, kneeling and push-off tasks.
In Measurz, record baseline ROM in degrees using the inclinometer. Note side tested, active or passive ROM, pain score, symptom location, test position, device used, comparison with the other side, related strength findings, related functional findings, compensation notes and retest date.
Ankle Dorsiflexion Test
Ankle Inversion Test
Ankle Eversion Test
Ankle First Toe Extension Test
Weight-Bearing Plantar Flexion Test
Single-Leg Calf Raise Test
The MAT source lists at least 40 degrees as a practical reference, but ROM varies by client, protocol and device.
Position the client supine, ask them to point the foot down, align the inclinometer with the foot landmarks and record the angle in degrees.
Either can be useful. Record whether the result is active or passive and repeat the same method when retesting.
It provides movement comparison information and should be interpreted alongside pain, symptoms, strength, baseline history and related functional tests.
The Ankle Plantarflexion Test measures ankle pointing ROM.
Record the result in degrees with an inclinometer.
Label active and passive results separately.
Use reference values cautiously.
Track pain, side comparison and progress in Measurz.
Canever, J. B., Nonnenmacher, C. H., & Lima, K. M. M. (2025). Reliability of range of motion measurements obtained by goniometry, photogrammetry and smartphone applications in lower limb: A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.01.009
Fraeulin, L., Holzgreve, F., Brinkbäumer, M., Dziuba, A., Friebe, D., Klemz, S., et al. (2020). Intra- and inter-rater reliability of joint range of motion tests using tape measure, digital inclinometer and inertial motion capturing. PLOS ONE, 15(12), e0243646. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243646
Kiatkulanusorn, S., Luangpon, N., Srijunto, W., Watechagit, S., Pitchayadejanant, K., Kuharat, S., Anwar Bég, O., & Paepetch Suato, B. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48344-6
