Journal of Orthopaedic Reports (Dec 2025)
Evaluation of lower extremity range of motion and muscle tightness in individual of age 18–20 years on performance of squat-to-stand and cross-legged sit-to-stand tests: A comparative-analytical study
Abstract
Background: Squatting and cross-legged sitting are common positions used in the day-to-day life of Indians. It has been noticed that even young adults with no injuries or complaints are unable to perform these activities properly. The squat to stand test and cross-legged sit to stand test are useful assessments to understand the factors that contribute to the success or failure of these activities. So, present study aimed to compare lower extremity range of motion, muscle tightness in individuals of age 18–20 years on performance of squat-to-stand and cross-legged sit to stand test. To compare and analyze the lower extremity range of motion and muscle tightness among who can perform, who cannot perform both the tests and who can perform either of the tests. Methods: Total 120 young healthy adults athletes aged 18–20 years (60 male and 60 female in each age group) participated in this study. The study was conducted by convenient sampling from four sports academy in city. All participants were evaluated with two functional test i.e. Squats-to-stand test and cross-legged sit-to-stand test and were evaluated with the help of KINOVEA software 0.9.5 version for hip, knee and ankle joint range of motion. All participants were evaluated for lower limb muscle tightness testing then the data evaluated, compared and analysed among four groups according to performance of tests(A, B.1,B.2 and C). Chi-square and Bonferroni's test was used for group comparison. Result: Based on the analysis, acquiring cross-legged sitting formore than 20 minutes/day affected the test performance. Knee flexion range of motion is increased in participants not able to perform the squat-to-stand test(125 ± 5.27°). Participants who were unable to perform the tests had reduced ankle dorsiflexion(29.6 ± 8.02°) and inversion(31.53 ± 4.27°) range of motion along with moderate to severe tightness in hip flexor, gastrocnemius, soleus, tensor fascia lata, piriformis, hip adductors muscles. Conversely, participants who were able to perform the tests had greater functional hip and knee range of motion. Conclusion: Age and gender did not influence the test performance of this study, but BMI did influence. For being able to perform both the tests sitting cross legged for >20 minutes per day, increase in ankle dorsiflexion and inversion range of motion is needed. Lower limb muscle flexibility to be focused in order to perform these tests successfully. Functional mobility of hip and knee joint should be improved to perform a safe squat.
