Table 1 Detailed information about the ANHEQ scale for NHE assessment studies and criterion-based reference values for studies A1 [8], A2 [21], A3 [17] and A4 [22]

(1) Rigid fixation

2 points: fixed/rigid resistance at the heels

0 points: partner assistance or not reported

0

2

2

2

(2) Knee position

2 points: feasible patellar glide (tuberositas tibiae placed on an edge, knees do not touch the floor)

1 point: limited or partially feasible patellar glide (e.g., appropriately cushioned surface)

0 points: patellar glide not feasible or not identifiable

0

0

1

1

(3) Kneeling height

1 point: shanks are placed at least 15 cm above the floor to enable full knee extension

0 points: no/insufficient elevation or not identifiable

0

1

0

0

(4) Separate familiarization

1 point: a separate familiarization session was conducted to teach proper NHE technique

0 points: instructions/ ‘familiarization’ at testing day or not reported

0

1

0

1

(5) Diagnostic tools

2 points: results of ≥ 2 diagnostic tools (kinematics, kinetics, electromyography) are presented

1 point: results of 1 diagnostic tool (kinematics, kinetics, electromyography) are provided

0 points: no diagnostic tool was applied or associated data are not reported

2

2

2

1

(6) Feedback of target movement speed

2 points: angle–time information is provided in real time to the participants by a monitor

1 point: average cadence provided, e.g., by a metronome

0 points: no feedback or not reported

0

2

0

0

(7) Consequences of impaired technique

1 point: defined consequences (e.g., repeated or excluded from analysis)

0 points: unclear consequences or not reported

0

1

0

1

(8) Presentation of NHE performance variables

2 points: moment–angle or angle–time information (e.g., range of motion to downward acceleration)

1 point: information about time under tension or range of motion

0 points: no information available

2

1

2

0

Total ANHEQ SCORE

4

10

7

6