Lateral Step Down Test

Original Editor - Lucinda hampton

Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Patellofemoral OA.png

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

Performing the Test[edit | edit source]

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[1].

Scoring the Test[edit | edit source]

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[2][3]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Manske RC, Davies GJ. Examination of the patellofemoral joint. International journal of sports physical therapy. 2016 Dec;11(6):831. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5095938/(accessed 12.1.2022)
  2. Whiler L, Fong M, Kim S, Ly A, Qin Y, Yeung E, Mathur S. Gluteus medius and minimus muscle structure, strength, and function in healthy adults: brief report. Physiotherapy Canada. 2017;69(3):212-6.
  3. Piva SR, Fitzgerald K, Irrgang JJ, Jones S, Hando BR, Browder DA, Childs JD. Reliability of measures of impairments associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2006 Dec 1;7(1):33.