The Elbow Flexion Test measures how far the client can bend the elbow. It is useful for tracking elbow mobility, comparing sides and adding context to pushing, pulling, lifting, gripping and upper-limb function.
A client may report difficulty bringing the hand toward the shoulder, reaching the face, performing pulling exercises or moving comfortably after an elbow injury or period of reduced use. The Elbow Flexion Test provides a repeatable way to measure elbow bending ROM and monitor change over time.
The MAT article describes the client seated or standing upright, with the smart device aligned alongside the forearm. The client flexes the elbow and brings the hand toward the shoulder while keeping the humerus aligned with the trunk. The MAT source lists 140 degrees as the practical target for elbow flexion.
Test name: Elbow Flexion Test
Purpose: Assess elbow flexion range of motion
What it assesses: Ability to bend the elbow
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: Elbow flexion angle in degrees
Best used with: Elbow extension, pronation, supination, wrist ROM, grip strength and upper-limb strength tests
Key limitation: It measures ROM only and does not explain the cause of restriction
The Elbow Flexion Test is a range of motion assessment that measures how far the elbow can bend. In Measurz, the inclinometer is aligned with the forearm and the angle is saved at the client’s maximal controlled flexion.
It is used to establish baseline elbow mobility, compare sides, track progress and add context to upper-limb tasks such as lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying, gripping and reaching.
It measures elbow flexion ROM in degrees. It does not measure elbow strength, biceps strength, grip capacity, joint health, pain source or full upper-limb function.
Active elbow flexion is measured when the client bends the elbow themselves. Passive ROM may be measured if the movement professional assists the forearm into flexion. Record the method clearly because active and passive ROM are not the same result.
This test may be useful for gym clients, throwing athletes, racquet sport athletes, combat sport athletes, clients with elbow mobility goals and anyone where upper-limb ROM tracking is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer
Chair or standing space
Measurz app
Notes for side, pain score, symptom location, active/passive method and compensation
Ask the client to sit or stand upright. If seated, position them upright toward the edge of the table or chair. Place the smart device up and down alongside the client’s forearm. Ask the client to keep the humerus aligned with the trunk and flex the elbow, bringing the hand toward the shoulder as far as possible. Pause and save the measurement at the maximal position.
Record whether the client felt pain, stiffness, tightness, pinching or weakness. Stop if symptoms meaningfully change the movement or the client cannot maintain position.
Record elbow flexion in degrees. The MAT source lists 140 degrees as the practical aim and notes that healthy adult elbow flexion is generally considered at least 140 degrees, while also varying by individual factors.
A lower score provides useful movement information, but it should be interpreted with symptoms, elbow extension, forearm rotation, grip strength, strength testing and functional task findings.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 140 degrees as a practical MAT benchmark. Treat it as a guide, not a universal rule. Side comparison, baseline score and progress across sessions are often more useful than a single threshold.
Smartphone inclinometer applications have been studied for elbow ROM measurement. A 2020 paediatric elbow study reported that smartphone inclinometer applications may be useful compared with visual and goniometer assessment, while broader goniometric-device research highlights that measurement error and examiner consistency matter when interpreting change.
Common errors include moving the humerus away from the trunk, inconsistent forearm alignment, changing seated versus standing position, using wrist movement to compensate, pushing into symptoms and failing to record whether the test was active or passive.
Use the Elbow Flexion Test to monitor elbow bending ROM, compare sides, track progress after upper-limb loading programmes and add context to pulling, pushing, carrying, gripping and sport-specific tasks.
Record side tested, elbow flexion angle, active or passive ROM, pain score, symptom location, forearm position, humerus position, test position, device placement, comparison with the other side and progress across sessions.
Elbow Extension Test
Elbow Pronation Test
Elbow Supination Test
Wrist Flexion Test
Wrist Extension Test
Grip Strength Test
Shoulder Strength Testing
It measures how far the client can bend the elbow.
The MAT source lists 140 degrees as the practical aim for this test.
Either can be useful. Record the method and repeat the same version when retesting.
No. It is a ROM finding and should be interpreted with symptoms, strength and related movement tests.
The Elbow Flexion Test measures elbow bending ROM.
Forearm and humerus position must be consistent.
Record active or passive ROM.
Use 140 degrees as a practical guide only.
Track side comparison and symptoms in Measurz.
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.
Shah, N., et al. (2020). Validity and reliability of smartphone inclinometer applications for measurement of elbow range of motion in paediatric patients. Journal of Children’s Orthopaedics, 14(6), 573–580.
