JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
Lower Extremity Functional Testing
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JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
Functional Tests
The following tests will be explained and demonstrated by the therapist, and then performed by the patient. The
uninvolved extremity will always go first. A two-minute rest period will be given between each test.
1. One-leg Squat for Depth: (Anterior reach)
Each subject will attempt to squat as deeply as possible by extending the opposite lower extremity forward. The
subject is not allowed to use hands for balance or have the body supported. Each subject will have one trial per leg
prior to testing. Squat depth will be measured by the distance the opposite foot extends. Each lower extremity will be
given three attempts for maximal depth.
2. Percentage Leg Press:
Subjects will perform a maximum number of repetitions, in 30 seconds, on the leg press using 50% of body weight on
a single limb. Repetitions will be performed from 0-90 degrees of motion and be counted as long as the other leg
remains held in the air and the subjects can complete full ROM. One trial per leg will be allowed before the test
begins to familiarize the subjects to 90 degrees.
3. Single-leg Balance:
Subjects will attempt to balance themselves within a defined area on a single limb. The maximum amount of time will
be calculated both with and without their eyes closed. The opposite leg must be out in front of the subject fully
extended and will not be allowed to touch any part of the body. The test will be timed on each limb with two trials on
either side. A trial will end if the subject is able to reach 2 mins.
4. Single-leg Cycling:
Subjects will attempt to perform maximal torque production on the Fitron lower extremity ergometer at a setting of 90
RPM’s. Each subject will have fifteen seconds to achieve maximal torque with each limb being tested two times. The
patient will he positioned at a seat height allowing 20 degrees of knee flexion when the pedal is at bottom. The nonexercising lower extremity will rest on the bike platform. Rest periods of 30 seconds between each leg will be given.
5. One-leg Hop for Distance:
Subjects will perform a single leg hop for distance with each lower extremity. After demonstration, each subject will be
allowed 1 trial per leg. Beginning with the toes immediately behind the starting line, subjects will perform one hop to
complete a trial. The hop will be measured from the starting line to the end of the toes after completion of a trial. Each
limb will be tested two times with the maximal distance scored for each limb
6. Single-leg Triple Hop for Distance:
Subjects will perform a single leg triple hop for distance with each lower extremity. After demonstration, each subject
will be allowed 1 trial per leg. The test will begin with the toes immediately behind the starting line. The subject will
perform three hops consecutively prior to the completion of a trial. The hop will he measured from the starting line to
the end of the toes after the third hop on each trial. Each limb will be tested two times with the maximal distance
scored for each limb.
7. Timed Single-leg Hop (mini tramp):
Subject will hop on the trampoline a maximum number of times in a 30-second period. The subject will he on a single
lower extremity and not be allowed to use hands for balance. The foot has to completely clear the tramp for the
repetition to be counted. One trial will be given to each limb after a 10-second pre-test warm-up.
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JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
The University of Kansas Medical Center
Sports Medicine Institute
Lower Extremity Closed Kinetic Chain Functional Test
Name_______________________________
Physician :__________________
Diagnosis / Surgery: ________________________________________________
Height: ______
Weight: ______
DATE:
TEST
R
Involved LE: ______
DATE:
L
%
R
1. SINGLE-LEG
SQUAT FOR
DEPTH
2. SINGLE LEG
PRESS - 50%
BODYWEIGHT:
____LBS
SETTING NO:___
3
DATE:
L
%
R
L
%
JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
3. SINGLE LEG
BALANCE
EYES OPEN:
EYES CLOSED:
4. SINGLE-LEG
CYCLING (90RPM)
5. SINGLE-LEG
HOP FOR
DISTANCE
6. SINGLE-LEG
TRIPLE HOP FOR
DISTANCE
7. TIMED SINGLELEG HOP (30s)
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JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
Patellofemoral Functional Testing
Anteromedial lunge, left and right: The anteromedial lunge is performed by having the
subject step forward with the pre-determined limb so that the front leg is bent to 90 degrees and
crosses the midline. The maximal distance out of three trials is recorded and marked. Eighty
percent of the maximal distance is calculated and marked with a piece of tape. For the test, the
number of lunges the subject can perform in 30 seconds beyond the 80% mark is recorded. Both
limbs are tested.
Step-down dip, left and right The step-down is a unilateral test performed from a
platform 8 inches high. Subjects step-down towards the floor with the heel lightly touching the
floor and then return to full knee extension. This counts as one repetition. The number of
repetitions the subject performs in 30 seconds is recorded. Both limbs are tested.
Total Gym leg press: Subjects are positioned on the Total Gym™ at level 7 which is
considered to be 50% of the subject's body weight. Subjects begin with the test knees in full
extension. One repetition will consist of a complete cycle of full knee extension to 90Ε knee
flexion and return to full knee extension. The number of unilateral squats completed in 30
seconds is recorded. Both limbs are tested.
Bilateral Squat: Subjects start this test in standing with the knees in full extension,
shoulder width apart. Subjects lower their bodies to a knee position of 90Ε and then return to
full extension. One repetition will consist of a complete cycle of straight standing to 90Ε knee
flexion and return to straight standing. The number of bilateral squats completed in 30 seconds
is recorded.
Balance and reach: The balance and reach is performed by having the subject reach
forward with the pre-determined limb so that the heel touches the floor, the majority of the body
weight remains on the back leg. The maximal distance out of three trials is recorded and
marked. Eighty percent of the maximal distance is calculated and marked with a piece of tape.
For the test, the number of touches the subject performs in 30 seconds beyond the 80% mark is
recorded. Both limbs are tested.
Drills
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JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
Standing Long Jump
Equipment: Tape measurer
Goal: To measure leg power.
Mark a starting line on the ground. The athlete begins with both feet aligned
behind the starting line. Arms are used to assist the athlete to leap as far forward
as possible. Scoring is the distance traveled from the start line to the heel of the
back foot. Record best of two trials.
Scoring (% rank):
91 - 100
81 - 90
71 - 80
61 - 70
51 - 60
41 - 50
31 - 40
21 - 30
11 - 20
1 - 10
Distance (ft):
9.6 - 10.3
9.2 - 9.59
8.7 - 9.19
8.2 - 8.69
7.7 - 8.19
7.2 - 7.69
6.7 - 7.19
6.2 - 6.69
5.7 - 6.19
5.2 - 5.69
Flying 30
Equipment: Stopwatch, Two cones placed 30 meters apart.
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JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
Goal: To measure speed.
Have athlete start about 15 feet behind start cone. At the signal have the athlete
run as quickly as possible from one cone to the next. The time will be recorded
from cone to cone. Take the best time out of two.
Scoring (% rank):
91 - 100
81 - 90
71 - 80
61 - 70
51 - 60
41 - 50
31 - 40
21 - 30
11 - 20
1 - 10
Time (sec):
2.90 - 2.99
3.00 - 3.09
3.10 - 3.19
3.20 - 3.29
3.30 - 3.39
3.40 - 3.49
3.50 - 3.59
3.60 - 3.69
3.70 - 3.79
3.80 - 3.89
T-test
Equipment: Stopwatch, Four cones.
Goal: To measure agility.
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JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
Arrange four cones in T-position as shown below. The athlete starts at point A. On
“Go” the athlete sprints to point B, touches the cone with right hand. She then
shuffles to the left to point C and touches the cone with her left hand. She then
shuffles to the right to point D and touches the cone with her right hand. She then
shuffles back to point B, touches the cone with her right hand. She then runs
backwards past point A. Time is from start at A to finish at A.
C
B
5 yd.
D
5 yd.
10 yd.
A
References
1. Chu DA. Explosive Power & Strength. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1996.
2. Chu DA. Jumping into Plyometrics. Champaign, IL:Leisure Press, 1992.
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JK Loudon, PhD, PT, ATC
3. Costello F, Kreis EJ. Sports Agility. Nashville, TN:Taylor Sports Publishing, Inc. 1993.
4. Gambetta V. Soccer Speed. Sarasota, FL:Gambetta Sports Training Systems, 1998.
5. Gray G. Chain Reaction. Adrian, MI:Wynn Marketing.
6. Murphy P, Forney J. Complete Conditioning for Baseball. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics,
1997.
7. Williams S, Cristie C. Developing Speed for Softball. The Diamond Edge, 1994.
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