HURDLE STEP ASSESSMENT:

The Hurdle Step is used to assess stability of the core and the entire stabilizing leg; as well as mobility around the pelvis. The hurdle step is an important movement pattern in life and sports. When running or cycling, you need full range of motion at the pelvis while maintaining stability at the core and the stabilizing leg. Your senior client also needs this ability when stepping out of the bathtub, or up stairs for example. Note: if you don't have tape or string to do the screen, you can "eyeball" it. The goal is to observe gross compensations.                                                            Client maintains balance                                                 The hips, knees and ankles remain aligned                                 Upper body/torso remains still

Take a piece of tape/string and mark a height equal to the height of the client’s leg, from below the kneecap to the floor. This is the height of the hurdle over which the client steps. The client stands with feet right next to each other, and holds the arms up either holding a dowel behind head or not. You can fasten the string or tape between 2 chairs, or a doorway or anything you find. The client stands with feet together, and aligns toes directly beneath the tape. He then steps over the tape with the right leg, touches the right heel to the floor without unloading the weight, then brings it back. When the right leg moves, that is scored as the right side. When the left leg moves, that is scored as the left side. Remember that the lowest score on a given side is indicated as the total test score.