Four Step Square Test

Question 1

General Information:
* The patient is instructed to stand in sqaure 1 facing sqaure number 2
* The patient is required to step as fast as possible into each square in the following sequence: 2,3,4,1,4,3,2, and 1
* Requires the patient to step forward, backward, and sideway to the right and left
* equipment required for the FSST includes a stopwatch and 4 canes

Question 2

Patient instructions
* Try to complete the sequence as fast as possible w/o touching the sticks. Both feet must make contact with the floor in each square if possible, face forward during the entire sequence
* Demonstrate the sequence to the pt
* Ask the pt to complete one practice trial to ensure the patient knows the sequence. Repeat the trial if the pt is unsuccessful at completing the sequence, loses balance, or contacts a cane during the trial
* Two FSST are completed with the best time taken as the score
* A score is still provided if the patient is unable to face forward during the entire sequence

Scoring:
* The best time of two FSST is the score
* Stopwatch starts when the first foot contacts the floor in square 2
* Stopwatch finishes when the last foot comes back to touch the floor in square 1

Question 3

Cutt off score

Answer 3

Greater than 15 sec for older adults and individuals are at risk for falls

Question 4

Measure ADL’s, Balance, Coordination