Hurdle Step

Pre-measurement

Before assessment, test administrator adjusts hurdle to height of subject's tibial tuberosity (also distance of marks during In-line Lunge).

Instructions

Preparation

Stand with feet together and toes touching base of hurdle. Place dowel on back of shoulders and hold in position to each side.

Execution

While maintaining upright posture, step over hurdle while maintaining foot alignment with ankle, knee, and hip. Touch floor with heel while keeping weight on extended supporting leg. Return to starting position while maintaining foot alignment with ankle, knee, and hip. Repeat with opposite leg.

Measurement

Test administrator assesses subject's completion of movement using following criteria:

• Ankle, knee and hip remain aligned in sagittal plane
• No to minimal lumbar spine movement
• Dowel remains parallel to hurdle
• Foot does not contact hurdle
• Balance is maintained throughout movement

Note any performance issues and record scores for both sides.

Comments

Allow up to 3 trials on each leg. A string or jump rope pulled between step risers or tied onto verticals can substitute for hurdle.

This test is part of Functional Movement Screening (FMS). Score of 2 or less, discontinue exercise and loads involving single-leg pattern until corrected.

Assesses

Bilateral stability and mobility

Functional Mobility (step leg)

• Hip Flexion
  • Foot is not raise up high enough to clear hurdle
  • Hip rotates outward in attempt to 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