Movement Screens (FMS): Hurdle Step

Purpose: The hurdle step movement evaluates compensation or asymmetry in stepping or hurdle functions. The test also challenges overall gait mechanics, while testing single-leg closed kinetic chain stability.

Equipment: Screening Kit

Procedure: 

• Record the length of the client's tibia, measuring it from the floor to the top center of the tibia, and adjust the hurdle-cord accordlingy. 
• Instruct him/her to stand behind and center of the hurdle, with feet touching at both the heels.
• Place the dowel across the client's shoulders. 
• Instruct him/her to step over the hurdle, touch the heel to the floor while maintaining a structured spine, and return the performing leg to the starting position. 

Scoring:

0.  Pain is associated while performing the movement

2.  Contact between foot and hurdle, and loss of balance

3.  Hips, knees and ankles not-aligned in sagittal plane, movement in the lumbar spine, and dowel and hurdle do not remain parallel to floor

4.  Hips, knees and ankles aligned in sagittal plane, minimal movement in the lumbar spine, and dowel and hurdle remain parallel to floor

Perform test on each side up to 3 times and record best score.