Strength Isometric Test: Ankle Toe Extension

To test toe extension isometric strength, follow these general steps:

1. Have the client adopt a supine position, lying down on a table with their shoes and socks off. Ask the client to slide down the table until their toes of the testing foot are hanging just over the edge of the table. 
2. To ensure the toes are truly isolated, the practitioner should use one of their hands to fix the client’s foot while performing this test. 
3. Set the press pad of the Muscle Meter over the top of the client’s lateral four metatarsals, before queuing them to pull said toes up as hard as they can.
4. Ensure the client sustains this effort for 2-3 seconds to achieve their maximal force production. Once performed, hit save in the Measurz app and compare to the other side.

References:

1. Allen, R.H. and Gross, M.T., 2003. Toe flexors strength and passive extension range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, 33(8), pp.468-478.
2. Siddiqi, A., Arjunan, S.P. and Kumar, D., 2015. Improvement of isometric dorsiflexion protocol for assessment of tibialis anterior muscle strength. MethodsX, 2, pp.107-111.
3. Grimby, L.E.N.N.A.R.T. and Hannerz, J., 1977. Firing rate and recruitment order of toe extensor motor units in different modes of voluntary conraction. The Journal of physiology, 264(3), pp.865-879.