The Ankle Dorsiflexion Test measures how far the client can pull the foot upward toward the shin. It helps track ankle mobility, compare sides and add context to squatting, lunging, gait, running and landing.
A client may report that their heel lifts early during squats, one ankle feels blocked in a lunge, or walking downstairs feels different side to side. The Ankle Dorsiflexion Test provides a controlled way to measure non-weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion and track change over time.
This test is useful because ankle dorsiflexion can influence lower-limb movement tasks such as squatting, lunging, gait, running, stair negotiation and landing. However, a non-weight-bearing dorsiflexion score should not be interpreted as a complete measure of ankle function. It is most useful when combined with symptoms, side-to-side comparison, weight-bearing dorsiflexion, calf strength and relevant movement tests.
Test name: Ankle Dorsiflexion Test
Purpose: Assess ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
What it assesses: The ability to pull the foot upward toward the shin
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: Dorsiflexion angle in degrees
Best used with: Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, ankle plantarflexion, ankle inversion, ankle eversion, calf strength, squat and lunge assessment
Key limitation: Non-weight-bearing dorsiflexion does not always match weight-bearing movement demands.
The Ankle Dorsiflexion Test measures the ankle’s ability to move the foot upward toward the shin. In this protocol, the client lies supine with shoes and socks removed, and dorsiflexion is measured using the Measurz inclinometer or an equivalent inclinometer.
The inclinometer is aligned with the foot landmarks, commonly the head of the first metatarsal and the calcaneus, to capture the dorsiflexion angle in degrees.
Dorsiflexion is relevant to squatting, lunging, gait, running, stair movement, landing and change of direction. This test helps establish baseline ankle ROM, compare sides and monitor progress.
It may be useful when:
One ankle feels more restricted than the other.
The heel lifts early during squats or lunges.
The client reports anterior ankle pinching or calf tightness.
Lower-limb movement quality needs more context.
Ankle mobility progress needs to be tracked over time.
The test measures non-weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM in degrees.
It does not directly measure:
Weight-bearing dorsiflexion.
Calf flexibility alone.
Ankle strength.
Pain source.
Squat or lunge capacity.
Running, jumping or landing readiness.
A reduced score may suggest limited dorsiflexion range under this test condition, but the result should be interpreted alongside the client’s symptoms, function and related assessment findings.
This test can be performed actively or passively.
Active dorsiflexion means the client pulls the toes upward toward the shin using their own effort.
Passive dorsiflexion means the professional assists the foot into dorsiflexion while the client remains relaxed.
Active and passive results should be clearly labelled because they do not always mean the same thing. Active ROM may be influenced by strength, control, confidence and symptoms. Passive ROM may provide more information about available joint or soft tissue range under assisted movement.
When retesting, use the same method each time.
This test may be useful for:
Athletes.
Runners.
Gym clients.
Ankle mobility clients.
Lower-limb progress tracking.
Clients where squat, lunge, gait or landing mechanics need more context.
Professionals monitoring ankle range over time.
Use caution when the client has acute ankle pain, recent injury, high irritability, neurological symptoms or significant pain with dorsiflexion.
Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer.
Treatment table or mat.
Measurz app.
Notes for active/passive method, pain, symptoms and side comparison.
Ask the client to remove shoes and socks. Position the client lying supine with the leg relaxed.
Ensure the hip and knee are relaxed and the lower limb is not rotating excessively. The foot should be free to move into dorsiflexion without obstruction.
Open the Measurz inclinometer or equivalent device. Confirm it is ready to capture the angle measurement.
Ask the client to actively pull the toes up toward the body as far as comfortable.
Use a consistent instruction such as:
“Pull your toes up toward your shin as far as you comfortably can, without forcing or twisting the leg.”
Align the inclinometer with the selected foot landmarks, commonly the head of the first metatarsal and calcaneus. Keep this alignment consistent for every test and retest.
Pause at the end of the movement and save the measurement in degrees.
If testing passively, support the foot and move it gently into dorsiflexion. Record that the test was performed passively. Do not compare active and passive results as if they are the same measure.
Repeat the same method on the opposite ankle when side-to-side comparison is needed.
Ask about pain, tightness, pinching, stretch location or apprehension. Stop if symptoms meaningfully change the movement or the client cannot maintain position.
Record dorsiflexion in degrees.
A practical reference range for this non-weight-bearing inclinometer test is approximately 15–20 degrees, but this should be treated as a guide rather than a universal rule. Values vary between clients based on age, sport, symptoms, activity history, testing method and device placement.
A lower ROM result may provide useful information about ankle movement, but stronger interpretation depends on:
Side-to-side comparison.
Weight-Bearing Lunge Test results.
Pain or pinching.
Calf strength.
Plantarflexion range.
Functional movement findings.
Whether the same method was repeated at retest.
For example, a client with reduced right ankle dorsiflexion, anterior ankle pinching, reduced Weight-Bearing Lunge Test distance and early heel lift during squatting may need more ankle mobility context than a client with a mild ROM difference but no symptoms or movement limitation.
Evidence level: Level 2 — related or closest available reference values.
A practical reference of approximately 15–20 degrees may be used for this non-weight-bearing dorsiflexion test, but it should not be treated as a strict pass/fail threshold.
Published ankle ROM values vary because studies use different positions, landmarks, measurement devices, active versus passive methods and participant populations. This means the most useful comparison is often:
The client’s own baseline.
Left versus right side.
Active versus passive difference, if both are tested.
Change across repeated sessions.
Comparison with weight-bearing dorsiflexion.
Relationship to symptoms and movement tasks.
A 2025 systematic review of lower-limb ROM measurement found that reliability values varied widely across goniometry, photogrammetry and smartphone methods. This reinforces that protocol consistency is important when measuring lower-limb ROM.
Fraeulin et al. found that joint range of motion testing using tape measures, digital inclinometers and inertial motion capture can show variable intra-rater and inter-rater reliability depending on the joint, method and procedure.
Kiatkulanusorn et al. also reported that clinical goniometric devices can vary in concurrent validity and reliability. For practical use, this means repeated ankle dorsiflexion testing should use the same device, landmarks, position, tester instructions and scoring method whenever possible.
For ankle dorsiflexion, do not compare this non-weight-bearing inclinometer score directly with a Weight-Bearing Lunge Test score unless the difference between methods is clearly documented.
Common errors include:
Inconsistent inclinometer alignment.
Allowing hip or leg rotation.
Measuring toe movement rather than ankle movement.
Changing between active and passive ROM without recording it.
Comparing non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing tests directly.
Not recording pain, pinching or stretch location.
Using a different device or landmark at retest.
Assuming one dorsiflexion score explains all functional movement limitations.
Limitations include:
It is non-weight-bearing.
It may not reflect squat or lunge demands.
Active ROM may be affected by strength and control.
Passive ROM may not reflect usable active range.
Device placement can influence the result.
Normative values are not universal.
Use the test for:
Baseline ankle ROM.
Side-to-side comparison.
Tracking progress over time.
Guiding mobility programming.
Supporting squat and lunge assessment.
Adding context to gait, running or landing observations.
Deciding whether weight-bearing dorsiflexion testing would add useful information.
Monitoring whether symptoms change as ROM improves.
The test is most useful when paired with functional and strength measures rather than used in isolation.
Record:
Test name: Ankle Dorsiflexion Test.
Side tested: left or right.
Score: dorsiflexion ROM in degrees.
Method: active or passive.
Position: supine.
Device: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer.
Landmarks: head of first metatarsal and calcaneus, or the landmarks used.
Pain score: 0–10.
Symptom location: anterior ankle, calf, Achilles, foot or other.
Symptom quality: stretch, pinch, block, pain, tightness or apprehension.
Comparison side: opposite ankle.
Related findings: Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, plantarflexion ROM, calf strength, squat or lunge assessment.
Progress comments: whether range improved, symptoms changed or side-to-side difference reduced.
Retest date: for monitoring change.
This helps make the result repeatable, easier to interpret and more useful for client education and progress tracking.
Weight-Bearing Lunge Test
Ankle Plantarflexion Test
Ankle Inversion Test
Ankle Eversion Test
Single-Leg Calf Raise Test
Calf Raise Repetition Maximum Test
Squat Assessment
Lunge Assessment
A practical reference for this non-weight-bearing inclinometer test is approximately 15–20 degrees, but this should be interpreted with the client’s context, symptoms, testing method and side-to-side comparison.
The client lies supine, pulls the toes upward toward the shin, and the inclinometer is aligned with consistent foot landmarks to record the dorsiflexion angle in degrees.
Both can be useful. Active testing measures the range the client can achieve themselves. Passive testing measures the range achieved with assistance. Record the method and repeat the same version when retesting.
No. This is a non-weight-bearing test, while the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test measures dorsiflexion in a standing lunge position. The results should not be compared directly without noting the different test demands.
A lower score may suggest reduced ankle dorsiflexion under this specific test condition. It does not explain the cause on its own. Interpret it with symptoms, side comparison, weight-bearing dorsiflexion, strength and movement findings.
The Ankle Dorsiflexion Test measures non-weight-bearing dorsiflexion ROM.
Record whether the test was active or passive.
A practical reference of 15–20 degrees may be useful, but it is not a universal rule.
Interpret results with symptoms, strength and functional tests.
Track both sides in Measurz using the same method each time.
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
