The Klatt Test - Simple Tool To Diagnose Lower Body Structural Imbalances

Detecting muscular imbalances in the upper body is a lot easier than the lower body. Because of the variety of exercises and variations available for the upper body, to find an imbalance, you could simply test a client, or yourself, by using the strength standards charts within this site.

There are optimal ratios to detect imbalances for the lower body as well, but because the movements used to test the lower body involve more than one specific muscle group, it can be a lot harder to determine if there are imbalances, or not. Obviously if there are distinct differences between a subject’s front squat and back squat, there is an imbalance between the strength of the quadriceps and that of the hamstrings.

But, what if a subject passes the lower body testing? Does this mean that there are no imbalances that need to be addressed, and whatever it is they've been doing, they should keep doing?

Well, yes and no. You see, a front squat that represents 85% of your back squat is definitely an indicator that the hamstrings are up to par in relation to the quadriceps. But, the quadriceps and hamstrings are not the only two muscles involved in lower body movements/sports.

I'm sure there are tons of assessments that strength coaches and personal trainers use to determine whether or not a client has an imbalance, and how much of an imbalance there is (whether or not the tests used are effective or not is another story), but there is one particular test that I like to use, and it's called the Klatt test.

The Klatt test was designed by Lois Klatt, PhD, the director of the Physical Performance Laboratory at Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois. The Klatt test is an assessment tool that can be used to determine weakness in the muscles of the knee, hip, pelvis and lower back.

The Klatt test is simple, and the results will give you an accurate idea of what needs to be addressed in the gym.

So here's how it's done:

-          The test is to be done barefoot.

-          Start by standing on a platform. The platform can be as low as 2 centimeters for rehabilitation purposes, or if testing the elderly.

-          Extend both arms out in front of you and lock your hands together.

-          Extend one foot out in front of you on a 15 degree angle.

-          Hop off the platform (about 3-4 inches in front of the platform).

-          The evaluator should be monitoring how the knee, hips, and trunk react to the landing.

-          Only one rep is to be performed.

-          Raise the height of the platform until, and repeat the test until at least two imbalances are detected.

Here's a summary of possible outcomes:

If the subject hops:

-          Medially - adductors may be weak

-          Laterally - abductors may be weak

-          Forward - hamstrings may be weak

-          Knee buckles - VMO may be weak

-          Leans forward - glute max may be weak

-          Bends to the side - quadratus lumborum may be weak

Based on the results of the Klatt test, you can effectively prescribe the appropriate exercises to correct them.

Here's an example of what exercises will help correct the imbalances discovered from the Klatt test:

-          Lunge variations will help if the subject hops medially

-          Glute-ham raises will help if the subject hops laterally

-          Leg curl variations will help if the subject hops forward

-          High step ups will help if the subject's knees buckle

-          Reverse hyperextensions will help if the subject leans forward

-          Side bends will help if the subject bends sideways

When training someone, it is important to test regularly to have a better understanding of whether or not the program is working or not. I'd recommend testing every 4-6 weeks.

Testing too frequently is not a good idea because it takes time to see results, and if the client feels like they aren't progressing it can be very demotivating.

Infrequent testing can also be problematic, because if a program isn't working, you should want to know to prevent wasting your time.