Movement Screens (FMS): Inline Lunge

Purpose: The inline lunge movement mimics lower-extremity deceleration and direction changes produced in sport, exercise, and daily activity. This test evaluates lower-extremity mobility and stability, as well as flexibility of the back and hamstrings. 

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 mark the appropriate site on the board.
• Instruct the client to place the toe of their back foot at the start line of the board. 
• Instruct the client put their heel of the front foot at the appropriate mark on the board. 
• Place the dowel behind his/her back, touching the back of their head, thoracic spine and sacrum. 
• Have the client’s hand opposite the front foot, grasp the dowel at the cervical spine, and the opposite hand grasping at the lumbar spine. 
• Instruct the client to lower their back knee to touch the board behind the heel of the front foot, and return to the starting position. 
• The dowel must maintain its perpendicular position throughout both the downward and upward movements.
• Perform test on each side up to 3 times and record best score. 

Scoring:

0.  Pain is associated while performing the movement

1.  Loss of balance

2.  Dowel contact-points not maintained, dowel not vertical, feet do not remain in sagittal plane, knee does not touch behind the heel of the front foot, and front foot does not remain stationary

3.  Dowel contact-points maintained, dowel is vertical, minimal torso movement, feet remain in sagittal plane, knee touches board behind the heel of the front foot, and front foot remains stationary