Lateral Step Down Test

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Introduction

The lateral step-down test is a modification of standard step-down test in which the movement a lateral one versus anterior. It can be performed to assess hip and leg strength and endurance. eg in Anterior Knee Pain examination

Instructions for the lateral step down test are as follows.

1. Patient is to stand with involved leg on a 15 cm step. This will require most to bend the knee at about 60 degrees.
2. Patients are asked to reach down and touch the opposite, non-involved heel to the ground, then return to the starting position.

Patient should be rated on the criterion listed in Table 1.

The test is scored according to 5 criteria:

Criteria	Interpretation	Score
Arm Strategy	Subject used his arms in an attempt to recover balance	+1
Trunk Strategy	Trunk leaned to one side	+1
Pelvic Plane	Pelvis rotated or elevated	+1
Knee Position	Knee deviated medially and the tibial tuberosity is medial to second toes Knee deviated medially and the tibial tuberosity is medial to medial boarder of foot	+1 +2
Steady Stance	Subject stepped down on the non-tested side or became unsteady	+1

• Total score of 0 or 1 was classified as good quality of movement
• Total score of 2 or 3 was classified as medium quality
• Total score of 4 or above was classified as poor quality of movement