Hurdle Step

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Pre-measurement Before assessment, test administrator adjusts hurdle to height of subjects tibial tuberosity. Instructions Preparation Stand with toes directly under hurdle and feet together. Place light bar on back of shoulders and hold bar in position to each side. Execution Slowly step over hurdle. Touch heel to floor while keeping weight on extended supporting leg. Slowly return to starting position Measurement In addition to above instructions, test administrator assesses subject's completion of movement using following criteria: Ankle, knee and hip remain aligned in sagittal plane Lumbar spine movement is minimal Bar remains parallel to hurdle Foot does not contact hurdle Balance is maintained throughout movement Test administrator should note any performance issues. Comments Allow up to 3 trials on each leg. A jump rope pulled between step risers (as pictured) or tied onto verticals can substitute for hurdle.

Assesses Functional Mobility (step leg) Hip Flexion Foot is not raise up high enough to clear hurdle Hip rotates outward in attempt clear hurdle Knee Flexion Foot travels upward and hits underside of hurdle Ankle Dorsal Flexion Foot does not raise to clear hurdle when ankle is higher than hurdle Functional Mobility (stance leg) Hip Extension Supporting hip flexes when other leg is raised upper body tilts forward may indicate hip flexor inflexibility Dynamic Stability (stance leg) Ankle, Knee, Hip Pelvic stabilizers Anterior pelvic rotation when other leg is raised or is extended across hurdle accompanied by compensatory lumbar spinal hyperextension may indicate weak pelvic stabilizers Rectus Abdominis Hamstrings Gluteus Maximus Balance Requires dynamic stability