The Mid-Shin Pull measures how much force a client can produce during an isometric pulling task from a mid-shin bar or handle position. It is commonly used to assess whole-body pulling strength in a fixed setup, with contribution from the hips, knees, trunk, back, grip and lower limbs.
The Muscle Meter is used to measure force output during the pull. 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 broader strength and force-time metrics, including peak force, impulse, torque, rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index.
For routine Mid-Shin Pull 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 where applicable and retesting. Rate of force development and time to peak may be useful when rapid pulling force, acceleration, tackling, jumping or lifting intent are relevant. Impulse may be useful if sustained force over a defined time window is intentionally tested. Fatigue index is only relevant if repeated or sustained pulling contractions are part of the protocol.
The result can support assessment reasoning and progress tracking, but it does not diagnose back pain, hip pain, strength imbalance, injury risk, lifting capacity or readiness for sport or work on its own.
The Mid-Shin Pull is an isometric pulling strength assessment.
The client pulls against an immovable bar, strap or handle positioned around mid-shin height. The goal is to produce maximal force without visible movement.
The test is similar in concept to other isometric pulling tests, such as the isometric mid-thigh pull, but the joint angles and pulling position are different. Because of this, Mid-Shin Pull results should not be compared directly with mid-thigh pull values unless the protocol supports that comparison.
Consistent setup matters because bar height, handle position, hip angle, knee angle, trunk angle, foot position, strap length, anchor position and client intent can all affect the result.
This test measures force output in a specific pulling setup. It does not fully measure deadlift performance, jumping ability, sprint speed, back health, sport performance or movement quality on its own.
Prepare the client
Explain that the test measures how strongly they can pull against an immovable setup.
Record baseline symptoms, back discomfort, hip symptoms, knee symptoms, grip discomfort, fatigue, recent training and current readiness.
Use at least one submaximal practice trial so the client understands the position and effort required.
Set the client position
Position the client with feet in the chosen stance and the bar or handle at mid-shin height.
Record:
stance width
foot angle
footwear
bar or handle height
hip angle
knee angle
trunk angle
grip type
whether straps are used
whether the test uses a bar, handle or belt setup
Set up the Muscle Meter and anchor
Connect the Muscle Meter so it measures pulling force in line with the direction of pull.
Record the anchor point, strap length, strap angle, handle setup and whether any part of the setup moved during testing.
Push, pull, strap-stabilised and bar-based scores should be recorded separately unless the protocol supports direct comparison.
Place the handle or bar
Place the bar, handle or strap so the client can pull upward or backward according to the chosen protocol without the setup slipping.
The force direction should be clear and repeatable.
Stabilise the position
The client should maintain the selected stance and trunk position without jerking, shifting the feet, rounding excessively, hitching the shoulders or changing the start position.
The setup should allow strong effort while keeping the test repeatable.
Give clear instructions
Use consistent instructions such as:
“Take up the slack.”
“Build up smoothly, then pull as hard as you can.”
“Keep the position still.”
“Keep breathing.”
“Do not jerk the handle.”
“Tell me if you feel pain, cramping, tingling or anything unusual.”
Record trials
Use 1–2 practice trials, then record 2–3 maximal trials.
A common contraction duration is 3–5 seconds.
Rest for 60–120 seconds between trials, or longer if symptoms, cramping or fatigue occur.
Record whether the final score uses the best trial or average of recorded trials.
Identify invalid trials
Repeat or mark a trial as invalid if:
the feet move
the handle or strap slips
the anchor moves
the client jerks the start
the client changes trunk position
the grip fails before lower-body force is expressed
pain limits effort
the client starts before the device is ready
the setup is not aligned with the intended pull direction
Record symptoms
Record back discomfort, hip symptoms, knee symptoms, grip discomfort, dizziness, breath holding, 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, anchor setup, instructions, contraction duration, rest period, scoring method and symptom recording.
The Mid-Shin Pull is used to quantify isometric pulling force in a repeatable setup.
It may be useful for:
baseline whole-body pulling strength assessment
monitoring strength change over time
tracking lower-limb and posterior-chain force output
comparing performance across training blocks
supporting deadlift or lifting strength profiling
strength profiling for sport, workplace or gym clients
client education
comparing strength with jump, sprint, squat, split squat or hinge-based tests
The test should support assessment reasoning. It should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic, capacity or clearance measure.
The test primarily measures isometric pulling force in the chosen mid-shin setup.
It may provide useful information about:
whole-body pulling force
hip and knee extension contribution
posterior-chain force output
trunk bracing contribution
grip contribution
confidence producing high force
change in force over time
relationship between strength and related performance tasks
It does not directly measure:
deadlift one-repetition maximum
back health
injury risk
tissue capacity
movement quality
sprint speed
jump power
work capacity
sport readiness
manual handling readiness
A higher score may suggest greater isometric pulling force output in that specific setup. A lower score may suggest reduced force output, but the reason should be interpreted carefully.
Lower force may be influenced by pain, apprehension, grip limitation, fatigue, poor familiarisation, poor bracing, inconsistent body position, anchor movement or reduced confidence.
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, related tests and functional goals.
Important influences include:
bar or handle height
hip angle
knee angle
trunk angle
foot position
grip type
strap length
anchor position
pulling direction
pain
apprehension
fatigue
familiarisation
breath holding
client confidence
setup stiffness
Direct Muscle Meter-specific universal norms for the Mid-Shin Pull are limited.
Most published isometric pull reference data relate to the isometric mid-thigh pull, which uses a different bar height and joint position. These data can support general interpretation principles but should not be used as direct Mid-Shin Pull targets unless the protocol is closely matched.
For most Measurz use, the most useful comparisons are:
the client’s own baseline
change across retests
comparison with related strength tests
force as a percentage of body weight if directly calculated
symptoms during the test
confidence and effort quality
performance relative to training goals
Reference values provide context, not diagnostic, job-clearance or sport-clearance cut-offs.
Use this order:
compare with the client’s own baseline
compare with previous Mid-Shin Pull results under the same setup
consider symptoms during and after testing
consider confidence and effort quality
review whether compensations or invalid trials were present
compare with related strength, mobility or performance tests
relate the result to sport, gym, work or daily-life demands
retest under the same conditions to monitor change
do not use reference values as pass/fail criteria
Use for maximum isometric pulling force, baseline strength, progress tracking and comparing force across retests.
Look for best score or average score, consistent setup, change from baseline, symptom response and compensation during maximal effort.
Use only when calculated directly from test force and body weight.
Look for changes over time. This may help compare performance within the same client across training blocks, but it should not be treated as a universal target.
Torque is usually less practical for a whole-body Mid-Shin Pull unless the lever arm and biomechanical model are clearly defined.
Use only when the lever arm is measured and a specific interpretation is needed.
Use when rapid force production matters, such as sprinting, jumping, tackling, lifting intent or explosive sport tasks.
Look for early force production and whether RFD changes while peak force stays similar.
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, poor cueing, pain or actual performance difference.
Use only if a sustained force window is intentionally tested.
Look for whether the client can produce and sustain force over the selected time window.
Use only if repeated or sustained Mid-Shin Pull contractions are part of the protocol.
Look for drop-off across repeated trials and whether fatigue improves across a training block.
Consider maturation, training age, technique familiarity and attention. Use clear instruction, practice trials and conservative loading expectations.
Use the test for baseline strength, progress tracking and confidence with pulling force. Compare results with training goals and related movement tasks.
Consider balance, confidence, grip, fatigue, back symptoms and effort tolerance. A lower score may provide useful context, but it should not be interpreted without functional assessment.
Consider sprinting, jumping, tackling, cutting and lifting demands. Peak force alone does not equal sport performance, but it can support a broader strength profile.
Consider lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, bracing and job-specific demands. Do not use one strength score to clear work duties.
Use the test to monitor force output, confidence and symptom response over time. Strength alone should not confirm readiness.
Pain, fear, guarding, fatigue, apprehension and confidence may influence force. Record symptoms carefully and compare with related findings.
Absolute force and force relative to body mass may both be useful. Interpret results in relation to goals, symptoms and function rather than assumptions.
Repeatability improves when the same setup is used each time.
Record and standardise:
same bar or handle height
same stance
same foot position
same footwear
same hip angle
same knee angle
same trunk angle
same grip type
same strap length
same anchor position
same pull direction
same instructions
same contraction duration
same rest period
same scoring method
same symptom and compensation recording
The isometric mid-thigh pull has strong reliability evidence when protocols are standardised. The Mid-Shin Pull should follow the same principle: consistent setup is essential.
Because the Mid-Shin Pull uses a different position from the mid-thigh pull, results should be interpreted as protocol-specific.
Common errors include:
changing handle height
changing stance
changing pull direction
jerking the start
anchor movement
strap slipping
grip failing early
poor body-position control
not recording symptoms
inconsistent rest periods
comparing mid-shin and mid-thigh pull results directly
treating the score as lifting capacity or diagnosis
Limitations include:
testing is setup-dependent
Muscle Meter-specific universal norms may be limited
grip may limit score
pain or fear may reduce force output
setup stiffness can affect readings
peak force does not measure endurance or movement quality
high force does not automatically mean safe lifting technique
the test does not determine sport or work readiness on its own
The Mid-Shin Pull may be useful for:
establishing baseline pulling strength
tracking strength over time
monitoring response to training
reviewing force relative to body weight if directly calculated
supporting strength profiling
comparing with jump, sprint, squat or hinge tests
educating the client about measurable progress
reviewing sport, work or gym demands
If force is low, consider reviewing familiarisation, stance, grip, trunk position, symptoms, confidence and setup stiffness.
If grip limits the result, record it clearly and consider whether grip strength testing or straps are appropriate for the test goal.
If pain limits the result, record the pain response and review whether the test position or effort level needs modification.
If force is good but function is limited, compare with lifting technique, gait, sprinting, jumping, split squat, balance and sport or work demands.
If the client is improving, keep the same protocol and monitor whether strength, symptoms, confidence and function improve together.
Position: Standing isometric pull from mid-shin handle/bar height
Start position: Stance, foot angle, hip angle, knee angle and trunk angle recorded
Joint or trunk angle: Record knee, hip and trunk position where possible
Trials: 1–2 practice trials, then 2–3 recorded trials
Contraction duration: 3–5 seconds
Rest: 60–120 seconds between efforts
Metric: Peak force, plus percentage of body weight only if directly calculated
Attachment or device setup: Muscle Meter aligned with pull direction through fixed strap, bar or handle setup
Final score: Best trial or average of trials
Key retesting requirement: Same handle height, stance, device setup, instructions, contraction duration, rest and scoring method
It measures isometric pulling force output in a fixed mid-shin setup.
No. The bar height and joint angles are different, so scores should not be compared directly.
It can be if calculated directly from test force and body weight. Use it mainly for internal comparison and retesting.
Published universal Muscle Meter norms for this exact protocol are limited. Baseline and retest comparison are usually more useful.
It may provide useful context, but it should not be treated as a direct deadlift one-repetition maximum prediction unless validated for that protocol.
No. It measures force output and does not diagnose the cause of pain or symptoms.
Different handle height, stance, strap setup, anchor movement, fatigue, pain, grip limitation and inconsistent instructions can affect results.
Record position, setup, handle height, peak force, percentage of body weight if calculated, symptoms, compensations, scoring method and retest conditions.
The Mid-Shin Pull measures isometric pulling force output in a fixed setup.
Peak force is usually the main routine Muscle Meter metric.
Setup consistency is essential because handle height and joint angles strongly affect the result.
Mid-Shin Pull scores should not be compared directly with mid-thigh pull scores.
Percentage of body weight should only be used when calculated directly from force and body weight.
Measurz should capture setup, symptoms, bodyweight-normalised values where directly calculated, compensations and retesting conditions.
Comfort, P., Dos’Santos, T., Beckham, G. K., Stone, M. H., Guppy, S. N., & Haff, G. G. (2019). Standardisation and methodological considerations for the isometric midthigh pull. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 41(2), 57–79.
Grgic, J., Scapec, B., Mikulic, P., & Pedisic, Z. (2022). Test-retest reliability of isometric mid-thigh pull maximum strength assessment: A systematic review. Biology of Sport, 39(2), 407–414. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2022.106149
James, L. P., Roberts, L. A., Haff, G. G., Kelly, V. G., & Beckman, E. M. (2017). Validity and reliability of a portable isometric mid-thigh clean pull. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(5), 1378–1386.
Stutter, L., Talpey, S., & James, L. P. (2026). The reliability and validity of isometric midthigh pull measures obtained from a portable isometric dynamometer. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, 5(1).
