Try the Single Leg Bridge with ACL CARE Pro to Test Hamstring Strength

Because of the importance of the quads, there’s a tendency to pay less attention to the muscles on the opposite side of the thigh: the hamstrings. As it turns out, hamstring strength also tends to diminish post-operatively – especially when the graft is taken from the hamstring, but even when it’s taken from the patellar tendon.

If we’re not carefully measuring and managing hamstring strength, deficits can persist into return to sport, increasing the risk of both hamstring strains and re-injury. Luckily, there’s a simple hamstring strength test an athlete can perform on their own that requires minimal equipment: the foot-elevated single-leg bridge. Check it out in the video below!

In our programs, we ask the athlete to do up to 12 reps on each side using a standardized tempo. We use that rep count to calculate a symmetry score between sides, with higher scores qualifying athletes to progress to higher level skills. As seen in the video, this exercise can be done with weight, and we recommend this adjustable kettlebell set, available on Amazon. If you're recovering from an ACL injury, check out the ACL CARE Pro app to help with your rehabilitation and recovery! As an Amazon Associate, Rehabilitation Health and our health professionals/practices earn from qualifying Amazon purchases.