Strength Testing: How Strong Are Your Quads?

Chelmsford Physio • March 5, 2025

Single-leg squats are a fantastic way to test your strength and balance, especially following an injury like an ACL reconstruction. A study by Culver et al. (2016) found that patients who could perform at least 22 repetitions of single leg squats after ACL surgery had better knee-related outcome scores and improved quality of life at both 1 and 3 years post-op, compared to those who couldn't.



Why Single-Leg Squats?

This exercise isn't just for those recovering from injury. Single-leg squats are a powerful tool for anyone looking to improve strength, stability, and performance, particularly in sports. The movement challenges your leg muscles while also engaging your core and promoting balance, making it a comprehensive test of functional strength.



How to Test Your Strength

Take a moment to see how many single-leg squats you can do. To make it even more effective, compare your right and left leg performance:


How many can you do on each leg?


Is there a difference between your right and left leg?


A significant difference between the two sides could indicate a muscle imbalance, which may affect your performance or put you at risk for injury.


Ready to give it a try? Check out the video below for guidance:




Start today and use single-leg squats as a key part of your strength capacity testing and overall fitness routine. Whether you're recovering from an injury or aiming to optimise your sports performance, this simple exercise offers profound benefits!



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ACL Injuries in Female Football

By Jon McComish • July 29, 2025
Females are generally at a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries compared to males. The evidence now suggests that females can be x8 times more likely to suffer an ACL injury compared to their male counterparts. Why is this? Several factors contribute to this increased risk in females: 1. Anatomical Differences: Females typically have a wider pelvis, which can affect the alignment of the knee joint and increase stress on the ACL. 2. Hormonal Factors: Hormones, particularly estrogen, may influence ligament laxity and strength, potentially affecting the stability of the knee. 3. Biomechanics: Women often exhibit different movement patterns, such as increased knee valgus (inward collapse of the knee) and less hip and knee flexion during activities like jumping and landing. 4. Neuromuscular Control: Females may have less neuromuscular control, which can affect their ability to stabilise the knee during physical activity. These factors combined contribute to the higher incidence of ACL injuries among females, especially in sports that involve jumping, cutting, and rapid changes in direction.

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