Wall Squat PositionNCT07297485
Evaluating the Level of Agreement Between Goniometer Measurements and Algorithm to Determine Wall Squat Position
An observational study of Wall Squat Position, run by Northumbria University at 1 site in United Kingdom.
Trial summary
The wall squat exercise has been used in several research studies to help lower blood pressure. However, setting up the correct squat position often involves using a joint angle-measuring tool called a goniometer to get the knee at exactly the right angle. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 21 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Wall Squat Position
- How many people
- 21 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Kingdom
- Study dates
- 15 Jul 2025to 19 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 21 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: A convenience sample recruited from the Tyne and Wear area.
Who may be able to join
- >21 years
- Written informed consent provided
Who cannot join
- Orthopaedic problems or injury affecting the hip, knee, or ankle joints
- Inability to stand unaided and hold a static position for >5 minutes
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United Kingdom1 site
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST
About this study
Official title: An Observational Cross-Sectional Comparison to Evaluate the Level of Agreement Between Standard Universal Goniometer Measurements and a Squat Height Calculator Algorithm to Determine Squat Position for Isometric Wall Squat Position.
The wall squat exercise has been used in several research studies to help lower blood pressure. However, setting up the correct squat position often involves using a joint angle-measuring tool called a goniometer to get the knee at exactly the right angle. To set up the wall squat using a goniometer, someone has to stand in position, hold still while their knee angle is measured and adjusted, and then measure how high they should squat. This takes time, can be uncomfortable, and can be difficult to hold steady. This can make it difficult to get accurate measurements, particularly for people who are not used to exercise.
Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore if a squat height calculator (based on leg bone measurements) to work out the squat height agrees with goniometer measurements for specific knee joint angles.
Read the detailed description
The isometric wall squat exercise has been used as an intervention in several research studies However, how the protocol is delivered can vary between researchers; for example, participants can be instructed to adjust their foot position to keep lower leg vertical with the wall while lowering onto a squat position; while others use a standard goniometer in conjunction with a spirit level to establish knee joint angle and limb position. Therefore, to ensure study reliability and repeatability a standardised protocol to ensure consistent limb position needs to be established. Traditionally, measurement of joint angles and limb range of movement (ROM) using a standard universal goniometer is deemed gold standard in clinical settings. While the goniometer is portable and relatively inexpensive it has several limitations in terms of practical use. Firstly, both hands are required to align and stabilise the goniometer positioning, and maintaining the alignment during movement can be problematic. Also, the use of a standard universal goniometer requires alignment with specified bony landmarks, some of which are not visually located or palpated with ease and require a good level of underpinning anatomical knowledge. Moreover, the level of accuracy in goniometer alignment can be further reduced when observing intertester measurements. Consequently, challenges with goniometer alignment and stabilisation, alongside intertester variability, may lead to errors in measurement.
Using a standard universal goniometer in combination with a spirit level to establish the isometric wall squat position requires a baseline weight bearing position to be maintained while correct limb positions and knee joint angle are established, and squat height measurements recorded. This may be time consuming, uncomfortable, and difficult to maintain for untrained populations, particularly within the more acute degree angles, leading to difficulties in determining accurate baseline measurements. Therefore, an alternative method to determine squat position would be beneficial for the development and standardisation of the protocol. As linear bone growth typically ceases at ~18 yrs for females, and ~21yrs for males, limb length in the healthy adult population remains relatively consistent. Recent research has explored the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to predict overall height from femoral and tibial bone lengths. Therefore, based on this principle, this study aims to explore if using a squat height calculator algorithm, utilising lower limb bone lengths, agrees with gold standard universal goniometer measurements to ascertain positioning for an isometric wall squat at specific knee joint angles
- Conditions
- Wall Squat Position
- Keywords
- Goniometer, Algorithm, Wall Squat, Level of Agreement
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Squat Position | Participants will have femur and fibula length (cm) measurements taken and complete both protocols unshod. Protocol 1 - Goniometer Squat Position Protocol A universal standard long arm goniometer will be aligned for knee flexion and held in position using soft velcro straps. A spirit level will establish and maintain vertical alignment of the fibula during the protocol. Participants will assume a 5-stage wall squat position. At each squat stage measurements for squat heigh at width will be recorded. Protocol 2 - Squat Height Calculator Femur and fibula bone measurements will be entered into the squat height calculator algorithm to determine the the 5-stage squat measurements. Markers will be placed on a squat height ruler for the height and width at each stage. Participants will be asked to align the lateral malleolus and greater trochanter with the markers and the joint angle measured using a universal standard long arm goniometer for each stage. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Level of agreement
Level of agreement between standard long arm goniometer and squat height calculator algorithm will be determined at each squat stage for knee joint angle (degrees).
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Dec 2025
- Study start15 Jul 2025
- Primary completion19 Jan 2026
- Study completion19 Jan 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Wall Squat PositionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Northumbria University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Gabriel Cucato, PhD, Principal investigator, Northumbria University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07297485
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 10240
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 6 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Simon S, Fischer B, Rinner A, Hummer A, Frank BJH, Mitterer JA, Huber S, Aichmair A, Schwarz GM, Hofstaetter JG. Body height estimation from automated length measurements on standing long leg radiographs using artificial intelligence. Sci Rep. 2023 May 25;13(1):8504. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-34670-2.
PubMed 37231033Kiatkulanusorn S, Luangpon N, Srijunto W, Watechagit S, Pitchayadejanant K, Kuharat S, Beg OA, Suato BP. Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Sci Rep. 2023 Nov 27;13(1):20931. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-48344-6.
PubMed 38017058Hanks J, Myers B. Validity, Reliability, and Efficiency of a Standard Goniometer, Medical Inclinometer, and Builder's Inclinometer. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2023 Aug 1;18(4):989-996. doi: 10.26603/001c.83944. eCollection 2023.
PubMed 37547826Lea JWD, O'Driscoll JM, Hulbert S, Scales J, Wiles JD. Convergent Validity of Ratings of Perceived Exertion During Resistance Exercise in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med Open. 2022 Jan 8;8(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s40798-021-00386-8.
PubMed 35000021Wiles J, Rees-Roberts M, O'Driscoll JM, Doulton T, MacInnes D, Short V, Pellatt-Higgins T, Saxby K, Gousia K, West A, Smith M, Santer E, Darby J, Farmer CK. Feasibility study to assess the delivery of a novel isometric exercise intervention for people with stage 1 hypertension in the NHS: protocol for the IsoFIT-BP study including amendments to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2021 Oct 28;7(1):192. doi: 10.1186/s40814-021-00925-w.
PubMed 34711266Lea JWD, O'Driscoll JM, Wiles JD. The implementation of a home-based isometric wall squat intervention using ratings of perceived exertion to select and control exercise intensity: a pilot study in normotensive and pre-hypertensive adults. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2024 Jan;124(1):281-293. doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05269-2. Epub 2023 Jul 17.
PubMed 37458822
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- An Observational Cross-Sectional Comparison to Evaluate the Level of Agreement Between Standard Universal Goniometer Measurements and a Squat Height Calculator Algorithm to Determine Squat Position for Isometric Wall Squat Position.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07297485
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 10240
- Conditions
- Wall Squat Position
- Keywords
- Goniometer, Algorithm, Wall Squat, Level of Agreement
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Northumbria UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 19 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 19 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The wall squat exercise has been used in several research studies to help lower blood pressure. However, setting up the correct squat position often involves using a joint angle-measuring tool called a goniometer to get the knee at exactly the right angle. To set up the wall squat using a goniometer, someone has to stand in position, hold still while their knee angle is measured and adjusted, and then measure how high they should squat. This takes time, can be uncomfortable, and can be difficult to hold steady. This can make it difficult to get accurate measurements, particularly for people who are not used to exercise.
Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore if a squat height calculator (based on leg bone measurements) to work out the squat height agrees with goniometer measurements for specific knee joint angles.
Detailed description
The isometric wall squat exercise has been used as an intervention in several research studies However, how the protocol is delivered can vary between researchers; for example, participants can be instructed to adjust their foot position to keep lower leg vertical with the wall while lowering onto a squat position; while others use a standard goniometer in conjunction with a spirit level to establish knee joint angle and limb position. Therefore, to ensure study reliability and repeatability a standardised protocol to ensure consistent limb position needs to be established. Traditionally, measurement of joint angles and limb range of movement (ROM) using a standard universal goniometer is deemed gold standard in clinical settings. While the goniometer is portable and relatively inexpensive it has several limitations in terms of practical use. Firstly, both hands are required to align and stabilise the goniometer positioning, and maintaining the alignment during movement can be problematic. Also, the use of a standard universal goniometer requires alignment with specified bony landmarks, some of which are not visually located or palpated with ease and require a good level of underpinning anatomical knowledge. Moreover, the level of accuracy in goniometer alignment can be further reduced when observing intertester measurements. Consequently, challenges with goniometer alignment and stabilisation, alongside intertester variability, may lead to errors in measurement.
Using a standard universal goniometer in combination with a spirit level to establish the isometric wall squat position requires a baseline weight bearing position to be maintained while correct limb positions and knee joint angle are established, and squat height measurements recorded. This may be time consuming, uncomfortable, and difficult to maintain for untrained populations, particularly within the more acute degree angles, leading to difficulties in determining accurate baseline measurements. Therefore, an alternative method to determine squat position would be beneficial for the development and standardisation of the protocol. As linear bone growth typically ceases at ~18 yrs for females, and ~21yrs for males, limb length in the healthy adult population remains relatively consistent. Recent research has explored the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to predict overall height from femoral and tibial bone lengths. Therefore, based on this principle, this study aims to explore if using a squat height calculator algorithm, utilising lower limb bone lengths, agrees with gold standard universal goniometer measurements to ascertain positioning for an isometric wall squat at specific knee joint angles
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Squat Position | – | –Participants will have femur and fibula length (cm) measurements taken and complete both protocols unshod. Protocol 1 - Goniometer Squat Position Protocol A universal standard long arm goniometer will be aligned for knee flexion and held in position using soft velcro straps. A spirit level will establish and maintain vertical alignment of the fibula during the protocol. Participants will assume a 5-stage wall squat position. At each squat stage measurements for squat heigh at width will be recorded. Protocol 2 - Squat Height Calculator Femur and fibula bone measurements will be entered into the squat height calculator algorithm to determine the the 5-stage squat measurements. Markers will be placed on a squat height ruler for the height and width at each stage. Participants will be asked to align the lateral malleolus and greater trochanter with the markers and the joint angle measured using a universal standard long arm goniometer for each stage. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 21 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- A convenience sample recruited from the Tyne and Wear area.
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- >21 years
- Written informed consent provided
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Orthopaedic problems or injury affecting the hip, knee, or ankle joints
- Inability to stand unaided and hold a static position for >5 minutes
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Level of agreement
Time frame: Baseline
Level of agreement between standard long arm goniometer and squat height calculator algorithm will be determined at each squat stage for knee joint angle (degrees).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 37231033Simon S, Fischer B, Rinner A, Hummer A, Frank BJH, Mitterer JA, Huber S, Aichmair A, Schwarz GM, Hofstaetter JG. Body height estimation from automated length measurements on standing long leg radiographs using artificial intelligence. Sci Rep. 2023 May 25;13(1):8504. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-34670-2.
- Background: PubMed 38017058Kiatkulanusorn S, Luangpon N, Srijunto W, Watechagit S, Pitchayadejanant K, Kuharat S, Beg OA, Suato BP. Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Sci Rep. 2023 Nov 27;13(1):20931. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-48344-6.
- Background: PubMed 37547826Hanks J, Myers B. Validity, Reliability, and Efficiency of a Standard Goniometer, Medical Inclinometer, and Builder's Inclinometer. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2023 Aug 1;18(4):989-996. doi: 10.26603/001c.83944. eCollection 2023.
- Background: PubMed 35000021Lea JWD, O'Driscoll JM, Hulbert S, Scales J, Wiles JD. Convergent Validity of Ratings of Perceived Exertion During Resistance Exercise in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med Open. 2022 Jan 8;8(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s40798-021-00386-8.
- Background: PubMed 34711266Wiles J, Rees-Roberts M, O'Driscoll JM, Doulton T, MacInnes D, Short V, Pellatt-Higgins T, Saxby K, Gousia K, West A, Smith M, Santer E, Darby J, Farmer CK. Feasibility study to assess the delivery of a novel isometric exercise intervention for people with stage 1 hypertension in the NHS: protocol for the IsoFIT-BP study including amendments to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2021 Oct 28;7(1):192. doi: 10.1186/s40814-021-00925-w.
- Background: PubMed 37458822Lea JWD, O'Driscoll JM, Wiles JD. The implementation of a home-based isometric wall squat intervention using ratings of perceived exertion to select and control exercise intensity: a pilot study in normotensive and pre-hypertensive adults. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2024 Jan;124(1):281-293. doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05269-2. Epub 2023 Jul 17.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Gabriel Cucato, PhD principal investigator
Northumbria University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Wall Squat Position, run by Northumbria University at 1 site in United Kingdom.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Level of agreement (time frame: Baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07297485, which also lists 6 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Feb 2026.