Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Single-Leg Squat Test: Protocol and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, November 5, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/single-leg-squat-test/
Measures: Single-leg squat quality, knee and hip control
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Moderate | Category: Strength
Protocol
The Single-Leg Squat Test is a functional test that visually assesses lower-limb control. With the method described by Crossley et al. (2011), the rating was related to hip abductor muscle function.
Preparation: The participant warms up for 5–10 minutes and practises the movement a few times. Arms are crossed over the chest.
Test Procedure: The participant stands on the test leg with the other leg held forward in the air, squats to about 60° of knee flexion and returns; each squat takes about 2 seconds. Five consecutive repetitions are performed. The movement is viewed from the front, ideally on video. The procedure is repeated on the other leg.
Rating Criteria (Crossley et al., 2011): overall impression; trunk posture (lateral or forward lean); pelvis (drop, rotation); hip (adduction, internal rotation); knee (valgus, knee moving over the foot). Each criterion is rated good, fair or poor.
Post-Test: The recording is reviewed; criteria rated poor become targets for strength and control training.
Formula
Each criterion (overall impression, trunk, pelvis, hip, knee) is rated good / fair / poor; the result is an overall rating and a left-right comparison
Equipment Required
flat surface, video camera (optional), goniometer
Interpretation
There is no single widely accepted normative table for this test. Results are best interpreted against the person’s previous measurements with the same protocol and equipment (and, where relevant, left-right comparison).
Practical Applications
The single-leg squat test is used as a complementary test in knee and hip rehabilitation, in screening lower-limb control in runners and team-sport athletes, and in return-to-sport assessments.
Limitations
Subjective evaluation component affects reliability; video analysis and standard scoring are essential. Inter-rater reliability may be low in inexperienced observers.
Related Tests: Nordic Hamstring Strength Test, Y-Balance Test (YBT), FMS Total Score (Functional Movement Screen)
Sources: Crossley KM et al., 2011, Br J Sports Med; Stensrud S et al., 2011, Br J Sports Med
Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Protocol The Single-Leg Squat Test is a functional test that visually assesses lower-limb control. With the method described by Crossley et al. (2011), the rating was related to hip abductor muscle function. Preparation: The participant warms up for 5–10 minutes and practises the movement a few times. Arms are crossed over the chest. Test Procedure: The participant stands on the test leg with the other leg held forward in the air, squats to about 60° of knee flexion and returns; each squat takes about 2 seconds. Five consecutive repetitions are performed. The movement is viewed from the front, ideally on video. The procedure is repeated on the other leg. Rating Criteria (Crossley et al., 2011): overall impression; trunk posture (lateral or forward lean); pelvis (drop, rotation); hip (adduction, internal rotation); knee (valgus, knee moving over the foot). Each criterion is rated good, fair or poor. Post-Test: The recording is reviewed; criteria rated poor become targets for strength and control training. Formula
Each criterion (overall impression, trunk, pelvis, hip, knee) is rated good / fair / poor; the result is an overall rating and a left-right comparison
Equipment Required
flat surface, video camera (optional), goniometer
Interpretation
There is no single widely accepted normative table for this test. Results are best interpreted against the person's previous measurements with the same protocol and equipment (and, where relevant, left-right comparison).
