Seated testing assumes that minimal femoral motion will occur as the chair and body act as distal stabilizers of the thigh.

The subject usually sits with their back and thighs supported making approximately a right angle at the hip.

The thigh support should extend to allow the appropriate amount of knee flexion. In most tests this would be somewhere towards the distal third of the thigh which would allow 75-90 degrees of flexion (the maximum knee flexion I have seen tested was 110 degrees whilst retaining reproducibility). This position then allows maximal extension (although debate rages over whether extension beyond -20 degrees should be permitted. Personally I would not test beyond 0 degrees extension as an absolute maximum).

Although the angle of seat recline (from the semi-reclined to the upright position, i.e. 40-90 degrees), has little effect on quadriceps strength it has significant effects on hamstring strength. The optimal position is approximately 80 degrees (with a corresponding change in seat angle recline to give 90 degrees at the hips). This optimal position is suggested for both extensors and flexors as it allows the collection of good data over the least time.

Seated stabilization is normally accomplished using femoral and pelvic strapping and the subject is allowed to hold the chair or the handles provided.