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Neck Rotation The body follows the head, and in the case of rotation, the chin. Adequate neck rotation is critical in a number of sports and sports related injuries. Neck Lateral Flexion Often termed "side-bending, lateral flexion is important for injury prevention. Neck Anterior Flexion Ability to draw the neck or head toward the chin. Neck Posterior Extension Measure of how far you can tilt your head back while maintaining good posture. Shoulder Flexion Supine This is the ability to raise your arm forward and to an overhead position, an important factor in the reduction of various shoulder related injuries. Shoulder Extension Supine The Shoulder Extensors allow you to bring your arm backward from the position of arms hanging at sides. Another indicator of potential shoulder injuries. Shoulder Internal Rotation Flexibility in this area is a potential indicator of rotator cuff and other shoulder related injuries, as well as performance enhancement. Shoulder External Rotation Flexibility in this area also helps prevent shoulder injuries. Chest This measures the tightness of the chest or pectoral muscles. The measurement itself has some value, but the difference between the R and L sides are of particular importance. If one is significantly different from the other, various problems throughout the entire body can arise. Ankle @ Rest Many researchers believe the position of the ankle at rest (how far the toes or forefoot point down) is associated with overdeveloped calves or underdeveloped shin muscles. This could be a strength issue, but is most likely related to flexibility of the lower leg. Ankle Dorsiflexion Measurement of how far you can pull your foot back. Poor Dorsiflexion is an indicator of Achilles tightness and a risk factor for Achilles tendon and Gastrocnemius injury. Ankle Plantarflexion Measurement of how far you can point your toes (foot). Excellent indicator of potential shin slints, compartment syndrome and other lower leg injury. Ankle Dorsiflexion Bent Leg This measurement is valuable in delineating whether lack of calf flexibility is caused by The Soleus or the Gastrocnemius, the two primary muscles which define the calf. Quadriceps Since the quads cross the hip and knee joints, inadequate flexibility can contribute to multiple problems and pain. A flexible muscle is typically a stronger muscle, since it has increased range. The Rectus Femoris muscle of the quads is of particular importance. Hip Adduction This test primarily measures flexibility of the Ilio-tibial Band (ITB) and Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL). Both are tendinous tissue running lateral from the hip to the knee. Flexibility here helps prevent hip and knee problems. Hamstrings Inadequate hamstring flexibility will contribute to muscle strains. Overly flexible hamstrings may contribute to other problems. Athletes with Sacroiliac (SI) joint problems should be monitored. Groin Ability to move the leg away from the midline of the body (out to the side) while lying on back. Adequate flexibility of the groin contributes to lateral movements of the leg. Hip External Rotation Measure of rotating the thigh outward within the hip socket (lower leg rotates inward). Important for quick twisting maneuvers. They are rarely included in generic stretching programs. Hip Internal Rotation Measure of rotating the thigh inward within the hip socket (lower leg rotates outward). Important for quick twisting maneuvers. They are rarely included in generic stretching programs. Hip Extension The ability to pull your leg backward. Hip Flexion The ability to pull your knee up and back towards your chin. Tight hip flexors are extremely common and maintaining flexibility here is important for good back health.
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