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Leg Extension Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider the factors influencing the results.

Objective

The leg extension test's objective is to evaluate the strength of an athlete's quadriceps.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Universal knee flexor/extensor bench
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to complete as many leg extensions as possible with no rest.

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The assistant sets the resistance close to the athlete's one repetition maximum load
  • The athlete sits on the end of the bench with the padded edge of the bench against the posterior surface of the knee joint, the feet hooked behind the padded rollers and the hands grasping the bench just behind their buttocks
  • The athlete conducts leg extensions until they are unable to continue
  • The assistant counts the number of successful leg extensions
  • If the number of leg extensions exceeds eight, then the athlete rests for 10 minutes, the assistant increases the resistance and the athlete repeats the test
  • The assistant uses the maximum load calculator to determine the athlete's 1RM

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the strength of the athlete's quadriceps. For muscle balance of your hamstrings & quadriceps, your leg curl 1RM should be above 80% of your leg extension 1RM weight.

A study by Dohoney et al. (2002)[1] identified the following equations to determine 1-RM for the leg extension test for male athletes:

  • 4-6RM : 82.07 + (0.76 x weight) + (5.66 x number of reps)
  • 7-10RM : 95.0 + (0.65 x weight) + (8.52 x number of reps)

To determine your 1-RM, enter the weight you lifted and the number of repetitions you completed before failure and then selected the "Calculate" button. The number of repetitions before failure must lie in the range of 4 to 10 repetitions; otherwise, the calculated 1-RM will be zero.

Weight

 Repetitions     1-RM

Target Group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

  • Minimal equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • The athlete can administer the test

Disadvantages

  • Specialist equipment required
  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. DOHONEY, P. et al. (2002) Prediction of one repetition maximum (1-RM) strength from a 4-6 RM and a 7-10 RM submaximal strength test in healthy young adult males. Journal of Exercise Physiology, 5 (3), p. 54-59

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2006) Leg Extension Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/legextest.htm [Accessed