The Ankle 1st Toe Flexion Strength Test measures how much force a client can produce when pressing the big toe downward against resistance. It is commonly used to assess hallux flexion force output in a controlled isometric setup.
This test can provide useful context for foot strength, push-off capacity, balance, gait, running, jumping, change-of-direction tasks and progress tracking. The 1st toe contributes to foot control during standing and movement, but a single toe strength score should not be used to explain pain, diagnose pathology or determine readiness for sport or work on its own.
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 1st toe flexion 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 force production matters, such as sprinting, jumping, cutting or push-off tasks. Impulse may be useful if sustained toe pressure over a defined time window is intentionally tested. Fatigue index is only relevant if repeated or sustained toe flexion efforts are part of the protocol.
The Ankle 1st Toe Flexion Strength Test is an isometric force assessment where the client presses the big toe downward into the Muscle Meter without visible movement of the foot or ankle. The device is usually placed under the plantar surface of the hallux or against the distal part of the 1st toe, depending on the setup.
The movement direction is 1st toe flexion. The purpose of the test is to measure how much downward force the client can produce through the big toe in a specific position.
Consistent setup matters because toe position, ankle position, foot support, device placement, stabilisation, toe contact point and client effort can all affect the result. This test measures force output in a specific setup. It does not fully measure walking ability, running performance, balance, foot posture, pain, endurance or movement quality on its own.
Explain that the test measures how strongly they can press the big toe downward into the Muscle Meter. Record baseline symptoms, big-toe discomfort, forefoot discomfort, arch symptoms, cramping, fatigue, recent activity and confidence with maximal effort.
Use at least one submaximal practice trial so the client understands the direction of force. This is important because some clients may curl all toes, press through the whole forefoot or move the ankle instead of isolating the big toe.
A common setup is seated with the hip and knee flexed, the ankle near neutral and the foot supported. The heel and midfoot should be stable so the client can press through the big toe without lifting or pushing the whole foot.
Record:
Seated or long-sitting position
Knee angle
Ankle start position
Foot support
Big-toe start position
Whether footwear was removed
Whether the lesser toes were relaxed or stabilised
For a handheld setup, place the Muscle Meter so the client presses the big toe downward into the device. For improved repeatability, especially with small toe forces, use a stable support surface and consistent device placement.
If using a strap, plate or small contact attachment, record the setup carefully. Small changes in toe placement can change the score.
Place the Muscle Meter under the plantar surface of the big toe or against the toe in a way that allows a direct downward flexion force. Avoid uncomfortable pressure on the nail, skin fold or painful joint area.
The force direction should be big-toe flexion rather than ankle plantarflexion, whole-foot pressing, lesser-toe gripping or forefoot rolling.
Stabilise the foot so the client does not compensate with ankle movement, forefoot lift, whole-foot pressing, toe curling from the lesser toes or body movement. The aim is controlled 1st toe flexion force.
Stabilisation should allow the big toe to press strongly while keeping the rest of the foot position repeatable.
Use consistent instructions such as:
“Press your big toe down into the device as hard as you can and hold.”
“Keep the rest of the foot still.”
“Try not to curl all the toes.”
“Build up smoothly, then press hard.”
“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 cramping, symptoms 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 ankle plantarflexes
The whole forefoot presses down
The heel lifts
The device slips
The big toe loses contact with the device
Lesser-toe gripping dominates the effort
The client pushes through the leg or body
Pain or cramping limits effort
The client holds their breath excessively
The setup changes between trials
Record big-toe pain, forefoot discomfort, arch symptoms, cramping, tingling, confidence, apprehension and symptom response after testing. Do not repeatedly test through high pain, worsening symptoms or strong cramping.
For retesting, match the same position, device placement, instructions, contraction duration, rest period, scoring method and symptom recording.
The Ankle 1st Toe Flexion Strength Test is used to quantify big-toe flexion force output in a repeatable setup. It may be useful for:
Baseline foot strength assessment
Side-to-side comparison
Monitoring change over time
Foot and toe strength profiling
Comparing 1st toe flexion with lesser-toe flexion
Supporting gait, running and push-off assessment reasoning
Supporting balance and lower-limb control reasoning
Workplace context where walking, stairs, ladders or prolonged standing 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 1st toe flexion force output in the chosen setup. It reflects the client’s ability to produce downward force through the hallux.
It may provide useful information about:
Big-toe flexion force capacity
Side-to-side force difference
Big-toe versus lesser-toe contribution
Confidence pressing through the big toe
Pain response during resisted toe flexion
Change in toe force over time
Relationship between toe strength and related functional tasks
It does not directly measure:
Cause of forefoot pain
Joint mobility
Tendon integrity
Foot posture
Balance
Gait quality
Running performance
Endurance
Readiness to return to sport or work
A higher score may suggest greater 1st toe flexion force output in that specific test setup. A lower score may suggest reduced hallux flexion force output, but the reason should be interpreted carefully.
Lower force may be influenced by pain, apprehension, poor familiarisation, fatigue, cramping, guarding, inconsistent device placement, poor foot stabilisation, toe stiffness, reduced confidence or compensation from the whole foot.
One result should not be interpreted in isolation. Interpretation is strongest when the same setup is repeated over time and reviewed alongside symptoms, confidence, foot posture, toe mobility, balance, gait, calf strength, hopping, running or work-specific tasks.
Important influences include:
Pain
Apprehension
Poor familiarisation
Fatigue
Cramping
Guarding
Poor foot stabilisation
Whole-foot pressing
Lesser-toe gripping
Different device placement
Different toe position
Different ankle position
Breath holding
Client confidence
Pressure discomfort from the device
Published Muscle Meter-specific universal norms for 1st toe flexion 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 one study of 26 healthy young adult men, first-toe flexor strength was reported as 1.54 ± 0.44 N/kg. In practical terms, this means a 70 kg person in that study context would average roughly 108 N, or about 11 kg of force, but only if the setup is comparable.
The same study reported lesser-toe flexor strength of 0.95 ± 0.29 N/kg, which would be roughly 67 N, or about 7 kg of force, for a 70 kg person. This helps show that the big toe may produce more isolated flexion force than the lesser toes in that specific method.
In young healthy adults, toe flexor strength has shown a moderate relationship with forward functional stability, with reported correlations around r = 0.38–0.40. This suggests toe strength may provide useful balance-related context, but it does not determine balance on its own.
Toe flexor strength appears to decline with age in the broader literature. One review-style discussion reported that older men aged 65–88 years had toe flexor strength around 55.2% of young men aged 18–23 years. This percentage describes an age-group comparison, not a bodyweight-strength target.
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.
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 1st toe flexion 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 1st toe flexion with lesser-toe flexion 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 walking, running, 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 1st toe flexion force output, baseline strength, side-to-side 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.
Rate of force development
Use when rapid force production matters, such as sprinting, jumping, cutting or push-off 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 toe flexion force briefly and whether impulse improves while peak force stays similar.
Fatigue index
Use only if repeated or sustained 1st toe flexion 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, attention, training age and familiarisation. Practice trials are important because toe isolation can be difficult for younger clients.
Adults and general fitness clients
Use the test for baseline foot strength, progress tracking and confidence with loading. Compare results with toe mobility, calf strength, balance and general exercise goals.
Older adults
Consider balance, transfers, daily tasks, walking confidence, fatigue, rest periods and function. Toe strength may provide useful context for standing and walking tasks, but it should not be interpreted without functional assessment.
Athletes and sport clients
Consider sprinting, jumping, cutting, landing and push-off demands. Peak toe flexion force alone does not equal sport performance, but it can support a broader lower-limb and foot strength profile.
Workplace and manual task clients
Consider uneven ground, stairs, ladders, prolonged standing, walking, carrying 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. Toe strength alone should not confirm readiness.
Clients with pain or persistent symptoms
Pain, fear, guarding, cramping, 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, not assumptions about body size.
Repeatability improves when the same setup is used each time. Record and standardise:
Same test position
Same foot support
Same device attachment
Same device placement
Same toe contact point
Same ankle position
Same toe start position
Same stabilisation
Same instructions
Same contraction duration
Same rest period
Same scoring method
Same symptom and compensation recording
Toe strength testing is highly setup-dependent because small changes in toe position, pressure point and foot stabilisation can change the result. This makes baseline comparison and consistent retesting especially important.
Common errors include:
Pressing with the whole forefoot instead of the 1st toe
Lesser-toe gripping dominating the test
Ankle plantarflexion compensation
Heel lift
Device slipping
Inconsistent toe placement
Inconsistent foot support
Testing through high pain or cramping
Breath holding
Comparing different protocols directly
Treating the score as a diagnosis
Limitations include:
Testing is setup-dependent
Muscle Meter-specific universal norms may be limited
Published toe strength studies may use different devices and positions
Pain, fear, guarding or cramping can reduce force output
Peak force does not measure endurance or movement quality
Toe strength does not fully explain balance, gait, running or sport performance
Strong symmetry does not automatically indicate readiness for sport or work
The Ankle 1st Toe Flexion Strength Test may be useful for:
Baseline foot strength assessment
Side-to-side comparison
Comparing 1st toe and lesser-toe contribution
Monitoring response to exercise or intervention
Supporting balance and gait assessment reasoning
Reviewing push-off-related strength context
Client education
Comparing with calf strength, ankle strength, toe mobility and functional tests
If force is low on both sides, consider assessing toe mobility, foot strength, calf capacity, balance, gait, footwear comfort and confidence with loading.
If one side is much lower, compare with symptoms, injury history, toe mobility, calf strength, ankle strength, balance and functional tasks.
If pain or cramping limits the result, record symptom location and review whether device placement, toe position or effort level needs modification.
If force is good but function is limited, compare with gait, calf raise capacity, balance, hopping, running mechanics, change-of-direction tasks or sport/work demands.
If the client is improving, keep the same test setup and monitor whether force, symptoms, confidence and function improve together.
Position: Seated, foot supported, ankle near neutral
Start position: Big toe relaxed or slightly extended, with the same start position used at retest
Joint or trunk angle: Record knee, ankle and big-toe 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 under or against the plantar surface of the 1st toe, with consistent contact point
Final score: Best trial or average of trials
Key retesting requirement: Same foot support, toe position, device placement, instructions, contraction duration, rest and scoring method
It measures isometric big-toe flexion 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 and repeated testing are usually more useful.
One study of healthy young adult men reported first-toe flexor strength of 1.54 ± 0.44 N/kg, which is roughly 108 N or 11 kg of force for a 70 kg person if the setup is comparable.
No. It can measure force output, but it does not diagnose a condition or explain symptoms on its own.
If the client presses through the whole forefoot or curls all the toes, the result may not reflect 1st toe flexion force clearly.
Different toe placement, device slipping, whole-foot pressing, cramping, pain, poor stabilisation and inconsistent instructions can affect results.
Record side, foot position, big-toe start position, device placement, peak force, percentage of body weight if directly calculated, symptoms, compensations, confidence, scoring method and related findings.
The Ankle 1st Toe Flexion Strength Test measures isometric big-toe flexion force output.
Peak force is usually the main routine Muscle Meter metric.
Published examples include first-toe flexor strength around 1.54 ± 0.44 N/kg in healthy young adult men, 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 retesting consistency 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.
Quinlan, S., Fong Yan, A., Sinclair, P., & Hunt, A. (2020). The evidence for improving balance by strengthening the toe flexor muscles: A systematic review. Gait & Posture, 81, 56–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.07.006
Słomka, K. J., & Michalska, J. (2024). Relationship between the strength of the ankle and toe muscles and functional stability in young, healthy adults. Scientific Reports, 14, 9125. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-59906-7
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
Suwa, M., Imoto, T., Kida, A., Iwase, M., & Yokochi, T. (2017). Age-related reduction and independent predictors of toe flexor strength in middle-aged men. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 10, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-017-0196-3
Xiao, S., Zhang, X., Deng, L., Zhang, S., Cui, K., & Fu, W. (2020). Relationships between foot morphology and foot muscle strength in healthy adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1274. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041274
