Assessment of hamstring flexibility through the active knee extension test
Abstract
The active knee extension (AKE) test is a clinical test used to assess hamstring flexibility, in which the assessed patient performs knee extension with the hip positioned at 90°. The AKE test shows high intrarater and interrater reliability when pelvic position is controlled and a standardized protocol is applied. The test is useful for monitoring rehabilitation, preventing injuries, and evaluating interventions such as stretching or soft tissue mobilization techniques. Its simplicity, low cost, and clinical applicability make it a reference tool for healthcare professionals.
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