The Ankle Eversion Strength Test measures how much force a client can produce when turning the sole of the foot outward against resistance. It is commonly used to assess eversion force output from the lateral ankle muscles, including fibularis longus and fibularis brevis, in a controlled isometric setup.
This test can provide useful context for side-to-side ankle strength, lateral ankle capacity, balance, running, cutting, landing, uneven-surface tolerance, sport preparation and progress tracking. It can also help professionals compare eversion with inversion when building a broader ankle strength profile.
The Muscle Meter is a handheld dynamometry tool used to measure force output during push, pull and isometric strength assessments. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test. When used with Measurz, Muscle Meter data can be recorded and analysed with a broader set of strength and force-time metrics, including peak force, impulse, torque, rate of torque development, rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index.
For routine ankle eversion testing, peak force is usually the main metric. Force as a percentage of body weight may be useful if directly calculated from the client’s test force and body weight, especially for baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison and retesting. Rate of force development and time to peak may be useful when rapid ankle control is relevant, such as cutting, landing, change-of-direction or reactive balance tasks. Impulse may be useful if sustained force over a defined time window is intentionally tested. Fatigue index is only relevant if repeated or sustained eversion efforts are part of the protocol.
The result can support assessment reasoning and progress tracking, but it does not diagnose ankle instability, tendon injury, nerve involvement, pain, balance risk or readiness for sport or work on its own.
The Ankle Eversion Strength Test is an isometric force assessment where the client pushes the foot outward into the Muscle Meter without visible ankle movement. The device is usually positioned on the lateral side of the foot, commonly around the lateral forefoot or fifth metatarsal region.
The movement direction is ankle eversion. The purpose of the test is to measure how much force the client can produce in that specific outward-turning direction and position.
Consistent setup matters because ankle angle, knee position, foot position, contact point, strap angle, footwear, stabilisation and client effort can all affect the result. This test measures force output in a specific setup. It does not fully measure dynamic ankle control, balance, running performance, landing quality, cutting ability, endurance or movement quality on its own.
Explain that the test measures how strongly they can turn the foot outward into the Muscle Meter. Record baseline symptoms, lateral ankle discomfort, foot symptoms, fatigue, recent activity, ankle confidence and any current symptoms such as tingling, numbness or cramping.
Use at least one submaximal practice trial so the client understands the direction of force. This is especially useful when the client tries to move the whole leg instead of isolating the ankle.
A common setup is seated with the hip and knee flexed, the ankle near neutral and the foot unsupported or lightly supported. Supine or long-sitting setups can also be used, but the same position should be repeated at retest.
Record:
Seated, supine or long-sitting position
Knee angle
Ankle start position
Foot position
Whether footwear was removed
Whether the lower leg was stabilised
For a handheld setup, the professional holds the Muscle Meter steady while the client pushes outward into it. For stronger clients or improved repeatability, a strap-stabilised or fixed setup may be used.
If using a strap, record the anchor point, strap angle, strap length and whether the anchor moved during testing. Push, pull and strap-stabilised scores should be recorded separately unless the protocol supports direct comparison.
Place the Muscle Meter against the lateral side of the forefoot, commonly near the fifth metatarsal region. Avoid uncomfortable pressure over sensitive bony areas.
The client should push the outside of the foot outward into the device. The force direction should be pure eversion rather than hip rotation, knee movement, ankle plantarflexion, ankle dorsiflexion or whole-leg movement.
Stabilise the lower leg so the client does not compensate with hip rotation, knee movement, toe gripping, trunk movement or ankle twisting. The aim is controlled ankle eversion force.
Stabilisation should allow the client to produce a strong effort while keeping the test position repeatable.
Use consistent instructions such as:
“Turn your foot outward into the device as hard as you can and hold.”
“Build up smoothly, then push hard.”
“Keep the knee and leg still.”
“Try not to twist the whole leg.”
“Keep breathing.”
“Tell me if you feel pain, cramping, tingling or anything unusual.”
Use the same wording at retest where possible.
Use 1–2 practice trials, then record 2–3 maximal trials. A common contraction duration is 3–5 seconds. Rest for 30–60 seconds between trials, or longer if symptoms, cramping or fatigue occur.
Record whether the final score uses the best trial or the average of recorded trials. Either approach may be used if it is applied consistently.
Repeat or mark a trial as invalid if:
The hip rotates
The knee moves
The lower leg twists
The device slips
The strap or anchor moves
The client plantarflexes or dorsiflexes instead of everting
Toe gripping dominates the effort
Pain or cramping limits effort
The client holds their breath excessively
The professional cannot hold the device steady
Record lateral ankle pain, foot discomfort, tendon-region symptoms, cramping, paraesthesia, confidence, apprehension and symptom response after testing. Do not repeatedly test through high pain or worsening symptoms.
For retesting, match the same position, device placement, instructions, contraction duration, rest period, scoring method and symptom recording.
The Ankle Eversion Strength Test is used to quantify lateral ankle force output in a repeatable setup. It may be useful for:
Baseline ankle strength assessment
Side-to-side comparison
Eversion-to-inversion comparison
Monitoring change over time
Strength profiling for running and change-of-direction sports
Reviewing lateral ankle force capacity
Supporting balance and lower-limb control reasoning
Workplace context where uneven surfaces, stairs, ladders or prolonged walking are relevant
Fitness and performance progress tracking
Client education
The test should support assessment reasoning. It should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic or clearance measure.
The test primarily measures isometric ankle eversion force output in the chosen setup. It reflects the client’s ability to produce force in an outward-turning direction at the ankle and foot.
It may provide useful information about:
Eversion force capacity
Side-to-side force difference
Eversion-to-inversion comparison
Confidence producing lateral ankle force
Pain response during resisted eversion
Change in force over time
Relationship between strength and related functional tasks
It does not directly measure:
Ankle instability
Tendon integrity
Nerve function
Joint mobility
Balance
Running or cutting quality
Endurance
Readiness to return to sport or work
A higher score may suggest greater eversion force output in that specific test setup. A lower score may suggest reduced eversion force output, but the reason should be interpreted carefully.
Lower force may be influenced by pain, apprehension, poor familiarisation, fatigue, guarding, inconsistent device placement, poor stabilisation, lateral ankle sensitivity, reduced confidence or compensation.
One result should not be interpreted in isolation. Interpretation is strongest when the same setup is repeated over time and reviewed alongside symptoms, confidence, movement quality, inversion strength, dorsiflexion strength, calf capacity, ankle ROM, balance, hopping, cutting or work-specific tasks.
Important influences include:
Pain
Apprehension
Poor familiarisation
Fatigue
Guarding
Poor stabilisation
Hip rotation compensation
Toe gripping
Different device placement
Different strap angle
Different knee or ankle position
Foot posture
Breath holding
Client confidence
Professional strength if using handheld resistance
Published Muscle Meter-specific ankle eversion norms are limited. Because of this, reference values should be used as context only and not as direct targets unless the protocol is closely matched.
More user-friendly comparison data include:
In people with chronic ankle instability, published handheld dynamometry eversion values have been reported around 141.2–175.5 N. In practical terms, this is roughly similar to about 14–18 kg of force.
These values were not collected with this exact Muscle Meter setup, so they should be treated as broad comparison data only.
Manual handheld testing can become less consistent when force is high. One HHD paper noted that when forces are above about 120 N, tester strength may affect the measured value. This is one reason strap-stabilised or fixed setups can be useful for stronger clients.
For side-to-side comparison, a difference of around 10% or more is often worth reviewing more closely in strength testing, especially if it matches symptoms, previous injury, poor confidence or a functional difference. This is not a strict pass/fail cut-off.
Comparing eversion with inversion can also be useful. Large differences between directions may provide context, especially when paired with balance, hopping, change-of-direction or sport/work tasks.
If force is recorded as a percentage of body weight in Measurz, use it mainly for the client’s own baseline, side-to-side comparison and retesting. Published bodyweight-percentage norms for this exact Muscle Meter eversion setup are not currently strong enough to use as universal targets.
These values are best used as comparison data. They can help provide context, but they should not be used as diagnostic, clearance or pass/fail cut-offs.
Use this order:
Compare with the client’s own baseline.
Compare right and left sides when relevant.
Compare eversion and inversion where relevant.
Consider symptoms during and after testing.
Consider confidence and effort quality.
Review whether compensations were present.
Compare with related strength, mobility or performance tests.
Relate the result to the client’s sport, work, exercise or daily-life demands.
Retest under the same conditions to monitor change.
Do not use reference values as pass/fail criteria.
Peak force
Use for maximum eversion force output, baseline strength, side-to-side comparison, eversion-to-inversion comparison, progress tracking and comparing force across retests. Look for best score or average score, consistent setup, side-to-side difference, change from baseline, pain response and compensation during maximal effort.
Force as percentage of body weight
Use only when calculated directly from test force and body weight. Look for changes over time and differences between sides, but do not treat it as a universal target unless the comparison data use the same method.
Torque
Use only when the lever arm is measured and a more biomechanical interpretation is needed. It can help when foot length or device contact point changes the raw force reading. It should not be used as normative data unless the reference data match the setup closely.
Rate of force development
Use when rapid ankle control is relevant, such as cutting, landing, agility, change-of-direction or reactive balance tasks. Look for early force production and whether RFD changes while peak force stays similar.
Time to peak
Use to understand whether force is produced quickly or gradually. Look for delayed peak force, faster time to peak across retests, and whether a slower time reflects caution, pain, poor cueing or an actual performance difference.
Impulse
Use only if a defined sustained force window is intentionally tested. Look for whether the client can sustain force briefly and whether impulse improves while peak force stays similar.
Fatigue index
Use only if repeated or sustained eversion efforts are part of the protocol. Look for drop-off across repeated trials, symptom-related fatigue and whether fatigue improves across a training block.
Youth clients
Consider growth, maturation, coordination, training age, attention and familiarisation. Clear instructions and practice trials are important. Results should be interpreted relative to age, body size, sport participation and confidence with testing.
Adults and general fitness clients
Use the test for baseline strength, side-to-side comparison and progress tracking. Compare results with balance, calf strength, ankle mobility and general exercise goals.
Older adults
Consider balance, transfers, daily tasks, walking confidence, uneven surfaces, fatigue, rest periods and function. Lower force may provide useful context but should not be interpreted without function.
Athletes and sport clients
Consider cutting, pivoting, landing, sprinting, jumping and change-of-direction demands. Peak force alone does not equal sport performance.
Workplace and manual task clients
Consider uneven ground, ladders, carrying, prolonged standing, stairs, bracing and footwear demands. Do not use one score to clear work duties.
Clients returning after injury
Use the test to monitor force output, confidence and symptom response. Strength alone should not confirm readiness.
Clients with pain or persistent symptoms
Pain, fear, guarding, fatigue, apprehension and confidence may reduce force. Record symptom response carefully and compare with related tests.
Higher body mass clients
Absolute force and force relative to body mass may both be useful. Interpret results in relation to goals, symptoms and functional demands.
Repeatability improves when the same setup is used each time. Record and standardise:
Same test position
Same device attachment
Same device placement
Same strap setup, if used
Same anchor height and distance, if straps are used
Same strap angle, if straps are used
Same knee and ankle position
Same stabilisation
Same instructions
Same contraction duration
Same rest period
Same scoring method
Same symptom and compensation recording
Belt-stabilised handheld dynamometry for ankle inversion and eversion has shown reliable results in healthy adults, but values can differ depending on position. Handheld dynamometry values can also vary depending on whether the device is held manually or stabilised with a belt. This means internal consistency is more useful than comparing results from different protocols.
Common errors include:
Device placement changing between trials
Foot twisting instead of controlled eversion
Hip rotation compensation
Knee movement
Toe gripping
Plantarflexion or dorsiflexion substitution
Poor lower-leg stabilisation
Strap or anchor movement
Breath holding
Testing through high pain
Comparing sitting, supine and side-lying results as if identical
Treating the score as a diagnosis
Limitations include:
Testing is setup-dependent
Manual resistance may be limited by professional strength
Strap setup requires careful anchor control
Muscle Meter-specific universal norms may be limited
Published eversion norms are protocol-specific
Pain, fear or guarding can reduce force output
Peak force does not measure endurance or movement quality
Strong symmetry does not automatically indicate readiness for sport or work
The Ankle Eversion Strength Test may be useful for:
Baseline assessment
Side-to-side comparison
Eversion-to-inversion comparison
Strength profiling
Monitoring response to exercise or intervention
Reviewing lateral ankle force capacity
Supporting balance and agility assessment reasoning
Client education
Comparing with related ankle, calf and foot tests
If force is low on both sides, consider assessing ankle ROM, foot strength, calf capacity, balance, gait, confidence and general lower-limb strength.
If one side or direction is much lower, compare with symptoms, injury history, inversion strength, ankle mobility, balance, hopping and change-of-direction tasks.
If pain limits the result, record symptom location and review whether device placement, ankle position or effort level needs modification.
If force is good but function is limited, compare with dynamic tasks such as single-leg balance, hopping, cutting, step-downs, walking tolerance or sport-specific demands.
If the client is improving, keep the same test setup and monitor whether force, symptoms, confidence and function improve together.
Position: Seated, hip and knee flexed, ankle near neutral
Start position: Foot relaxed, ankle close to neutral
Joint or trunk angle: Record knee and ankle position
Trials: 1–2 practice trials, then 2–3 recorded trials
Contraction duration: 3–5 seconds
Rest: 30–60 seconds between efforts
Metric: Peak force, plus percentage of body weight only if directly calculated
Attachment or device setup: Muscle Meter against lateral forefoot near fifth metatarsal region, or strap-stabilised if used
Final score: Best trial or average of trials
Key retesting requirement: Same position, device placement, instructions, contraction duration, rest and scoring method
It measures isometric ankle eversion force output in a specific test setup.
It can be if you calculate it directly from test force and body weight. Use it for internal comparison rather than as a universal target.
Published universal Muscle Meter norms for this exact protocol appear limited. Baseline, side-to-side comparison, eversion-to-inversion comparison and repeated testing are usually more useful.
Published comparison values include eversion forces around 141.2–175.5 N from a handheld dynamometry example in people with chronic ankle instability. These are not direct Muscle Meter targets unless the protocol is closely matched.
No. It can measure force output, but it does not diagnose a condition or explain symptoms on its own.
Yes, eversion-to-inversion comparison can be useful, but interpretation should include symptoms, history, setup quality and functional findings.
Different device placement, ankle angle, hip rotation, toe gripping, poor stabilisation, pain, manual resistance limits and inconsistent instructions can affect results.
Record side, position, device placement, peak force, percentage of body weight if directly calculated, symptoms, compensations, confidence, scoring method and related findings.
The Ankle Eversion Strength Test measures isometric eversion force output.
Peak force is usually the main routine Muscle Meter metric.
Published examples include eversion values around 141.2–175.5 N, but protocols vary.
Percentage of body weight should only be used when calculated directly from force and body weight.
Baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison and eversion-to-inversion comparison are usually more useful than broad norms.
Reference values provide context, not diagnostic or clearance cut-offs.
Measurz should capture setup, symptoms, bodyweight-normalised values where directly calculated, compensations and retesting conditions.
Alfuth, M., & Hahm, M. M. (2016). Reliability, comparability, and validity of foot inversion and eversion strength measurements using a hand-held dynamometer. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 11(1), 72–84.
Martins, J., da Silva, J. R., da Silva, M. R. B., & Bevilaqua-Grossi, D. (2017). Validation of ankle strength measurements by means of a hand-held dynamometer in adult healthy subjects. Rehabilitation Research and Practice, 2017, 5426031. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5426031
Mentiplay, B. F., Perraton, L. G., Bower, K. J., Adair, B., Pua, Y. H., Williams, G. P., McGaw, R., & Clark, R. A. (2015). Assessment of lower limb muscle strength and power using hand-held and fixed dynamometry: A reliability and validity study. PLOS ONE, 10(10), e0140822. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0140822
Spink, M. J., Fotoohabadi, M. R., Menz, H. B., & Lord, S. R. (2010). Foot and ankle strength assessment using hand-held dynamometry: Reliability and age-related differences. Gerontology, 56(6), 525–532. https://doi.org/10.1159/000264655
