Ankle Mobility Test

A distance of 14 cm or more is considered excellent. A minimum of ~10 cm (approximately 35–38° of dorsiflexion) is generally needed for functional movement patterns like squatting and running.

Limited dorsiflexion forces the heel to rise during a squat, which shifts load to the lower back and knees. Adequate ankle range allows the knee to track forward over the toes while the heel stays grounded.

A difference greater than 2 cm between ankles may indicate a prior injury or compensatory movement pattern. Asymmetry above 3 cm combined with low overall range is associated with increased lower-limb injury risk.