Ankle Flexibility Testing: Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT)

The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, also known as the Knee-to-Wall Test or Dorsiflexion Lunge Test, measures ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in a functional weight-bearing position. It is one of the better-supported ankle ROM field tests, with research showing strong reliability and validity for measuring weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion. A 2026 international normative study also reported reference values across 1,864 adults aged 18–94 years, strengthening interpretation across age and sex groups.  

Introduction

Ankle dorsiflexion is important for squatting, landing, running, walking, stairs, lunging and change-of-direction tasks. When dorsiflexion is limited, movement strategies may change at the foot, knee, hip or trunk.

The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test is useful because it measures dorsiflexion in a closed-chain position that resembles many functional tasks. It is quick, low cost, repeatable and can be recorded using distance, angle or both.

Quick Summary

Test name: Weight-Bearing Lunge Test
Alternative names: Knee-to-Wall Test, Dorsiflexion Lunge Test
Category: Ankle range of motion / mobility assessment
Primary score: Distance from toe to wall, angle of tibial inclination, or ankle dorsiflexion angle
Best use: Ankle dorsiflexion baseline, side-to-side comparison and retesting
Key limitation: Results depend on foot position, heel contact, measurement method and knee tracking.

What Is the Assessment?

The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test assesses how far the knee can move forward over the foot while the heel remains on the ground. It can be measured as:

• Distance from big toe to wall
• Tibial inclination angle
• Ankle dorsiflexion angle
• Side-to-side difference

Research supports the lunge test as a reliable and valid measure of weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion when standardised.  

Why It Is Used

The test may be used to assess:

• Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
• Left-right ankle mobility differences
• Functional ankle mobility for squatting, running and landing
• Baseline and retest change
• Progress after mobility or strength programming
• Movement restrictions that may influence lower-limb mechanics

What It Measures

The test measures weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

It may reflect:

• Talocrural dorsiflexion mobility
• Calf and Achilles complex extensibility
• Foot and ankle control
• Knee tracking strategy
• Side-to-side mobility difference
• Symptom response in a functional position

It does not diagnose a condition or identify the exact structure limiting motion on its own.

Who It Is Used For

The test may be useful for:

• Runners
• Field and court sport athletes
• Gym clients
• Lifters and squat-based athletes
• Clients with ankle mobility goals
• Professionals monitoring lower-limb ROM and movement capacity

It may need modification if the client cannot comfortably load the ankle in a lunge position.

Equipment Required

• Wall or vertical target
• Tape measure or floor markings
• Optional inclinometer
• Optional Measurz inclinometer to record tibial angle
• Optional Measurz AR measurement to document toe-to-wall distance
• Measurz/MAT platform to record side, angle, distance, symptoms and retest comparison
• Optional MAT tools such as Anker, Gripper or Muscle Meter for related lower-limb strength testing

Measurz can store this test alongside ankle ROM, lower-limb strength, balance, orthopaedic tests, outcome measures and endurance assessments within the broader 1300+ test library.

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. The client stands facing a wall.
2. Place the test foot flat on the floor with the toes pointing forward.
3. The client lunges the knee toward the wall while keeping the heel down.
4. Move the foot gradually further away from the wall until the maximum distance is found where the knee can touch the wall without the heel lifting.
5. Ensure the knee tracks over the foot and the heel remains in contact with the floor.
6. Record the toe-to-wall distance and/or tibial inclination angle.
7. Repeat on both sides using the same method.

Scoring and Interpretation

Common scoring options:

• Toe-to-wall distance in centimetres
• Tibial inclination angle in degrees
• Left-right difference
• Pain or symptom response
• Heel lift or compensation notes

Greater distance or angle generally indicates greater weight-bearing dorsiflexion range. Side-to-side comparison is often highly useful.

Normative Data, Benchmarks or Reference Values

A 2026 international normative study reported Weight-Bearing Lunge Test values across 1,864 adults aged 18–94 years, stratified by age, sex and activity level. This is currently one of the strongest normative references for the distance-based WBLT.  

Practical field guidance only:

• Good functional dorsiflexion: approximately 10 cm or more toe-to-wall distance
• Moderate: approximately 6–9 cm
• Restricted or developing range: under 6 cm
• Meaningful side-to-side difference: commonly worth noting when greater than 2–3 cm, especially if linked with symptoms or movement changes

Use published age- and sex-specific references where available, and avoid applying one universal cut-off across all clients.

Reliability and Validity

The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test has strong reliability evidence. Chisholm and colleagues found the lunge test reliable and supported known-groups and longitudinal validity in people with ankle injury/dysfunction. Powden and colleagues’ systematic review also supports the WBLT as a reliable dorsiflexion ROM measure, while noting that measurement methods and responsiveness should be considered carefully.  

Common Errors and Limitations

Common errors include:

• Allowing the heel to lift
• Letting the foot rotate outward
• Knee collapsing inward
• Measuring from different toe positions
• Changing measurement method between tests
• Not recording symptoms
• Comparing distance-based and angle-based scores without context

Practical Applications

The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test can help professionals:

• Monitor ankle dorsiflexion progress
• Track mobility changes over time
• Compare sides
• Support squat, lunge, running and landing assessment
• Combine ankle ROM findings with calf raise endurance, plantar flexion, balance and strength tests

How to Record This in Measurz/MAT

Record:

• Test name: Weight-Bearing Lunge Test
• Side tested
• Toe-to-wall distance
• Tibial angle if measured
• Foot position
• Knee tracking
• Heel lift yes/no
• Pain or symptoms
• Compensation notes
• Retest date

Use Measurz AR measurement for distance, the Measurz inclinometer for tibial angle, and notes for symptoms and compensations.

FAQs

What does the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test measure?

It measures ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in a functional weight-bearing position.

Is it the same as the Knee-to-Wall Test?

Yes. The Knee-to-Wall Test is a common version of the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test.

What is a good score?

Around 10 cm or more is often used as practical field guidance, but current normative interpretation should consider age, sex and activity level.

Should both sides be tested?

Yes. Side-to-side comparison is very useful.

Can it diagnose ankle pathology?

No. It measures dorsiflexion range but does not diagnose the cause of restriction.

Key Takeaways

• The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test is a reliable ankle dorsiflexion ROM test.
• It can be measured by distance, angle or both.
• Recent international normative data are available.
• Standardisation is essential.
• Measurz can record distance, angle, symptoms and progress.

References

Chisholm, M. D., Birmingham, T. B., Brown, J., MacDermid, J., & Chesworth, B. M. (2012). Reliability and validity of a weight-bearing measure of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Physiotherapy Canada, 64(4), 347–355. https://doi.org/10.3138/ptc.2011-41 

Powden, C. J., Hoch, J. M., & Hoch, M. C. (2015). Reliability and minimal detectable change of the weight-bearing lunge test: A systematic review. Manual Therapy, 20(4), 524–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2015.01.004 

Young, D., et al. (2026). International normative values for the weight-bearing lunge test across age, sex and activity level. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice.