The lunge test, also known as the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT), is a widely used clinical method to assess the ankle’s dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM). Unlike non-weight-bearing goniometric measurements, the lunge test evaluates dorsiflexion under functional, load-bearing conditions that closely mimic real-life movements such as walking, squatting, or running. It provides valuable insight into ankle mobility, particularly at the talocrural joint, and is often used in both clinical and sports settings to detect limitations that may contribute to lower limb dysfunction or injury risk.
In performing the lunge test, the subject stands facing a wall with one foot placed a set distance from it and the knee aligned with the second toe. The individual lunges forward, attempting to touch the knee to the wall without the heel lifting off the ground. The distance between the great toe and the wall (measured in centimeters) or the angle between the tibia and the vertical line (measured using an inclinometer) represents the ankle dorsiflexion ROM. A greater distance or angle indicates better flexibility and joint mobility, while restrictions may suggest tightness in the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, joint capsule stiffness, or previous injury sequelae.
Clinicians often prefer the inclinometer method because it offers greater accuracy and repeatability. The device is placed on the anterior aspect of the tibia to measure the tibial inclination angle at the point of maximal dorsiflexion. Normal values typically range between 35° to 45°, depending on individual anatomy and activity level. A difference greater than 5° or 1–1.5 cm between sides is usually considered clinically significant. Such asymmetries may influence biomechanics during gait or athletic performance, potentially increasing stress on adjacent joints or leading to compensatory movement patterns.
Overall, the lunge test is a simple, quick, and reliable tool for assessing ankle mobility, particularly useful for monitoring progress in rehabilitation, post-injury recovery, or performance optimization programs. Its functional, weight-bearing nature provides a more realistic evaluation of joint mechanics than traditional passive ROM tests. Additionally, incorporating the test into clinical or athletic screening helps identify individuals at risk of movement inefficiencies, allowing targeted interventions such as stretching, joint mobilization, or movement retraining to restore optimal ankle function.
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