Step Down

Question 1

Why would one perform a step-down test?

Answer 1

1. Quick & Dirty movement test to look at total body stability/control and leg length
2. Provides insight into ones “preferred” movement strategy
3. Relatively High Demand
4. Functional in nature
5. Commonly reproduces lower extremity pain

Question 2

What are the phases associated with a Forward Step Down?

Answer 2

Lowering Phase

Elevation Phase

Question 3

This phase starts from “Heel touch to standing position”

Answer 3

Elevation Phase

Question 4

This phase is “initial standing position to heel touch”

Answer 4

Lowering Phase

Question 5

What are the objectives associated with a forward step down?

Answer 5

1. Trunk Stability
2. Pelvis Stability
3. Hip Stability
4. Elevating and Lowering of body COM
   - Hip strategy preferred

Question 6

This term represents the total lower extremity demand required to support the body during weight bearing

Answer 6

Support Moment: the sum of all the sagittal plane moments at the ankle, knee, and hip.

Question 7

Which strategy is most likely to max out ankle dorsiflexion during a squat, hip or knee?

Answer 7

Knee Strategy

Question 8

Step Down Assessment:

Hip stability: Describe a score of 2, 1, and 0

Answer 8

2= No Knee Valgus
1= Mild Knee Valgus 
0= Significant Knee Valgus

Question 9

Step Down Assessment:

Pelvis Stability- Describe a score of 2, 1, and 0

Answer 9

2= Minimal Pelvis Drop/Rise (≤5°)
1= Mild Pelvic Drop/rise (≥6° or ≤10°)
0= Significant pelvic Drop/Rise (>10°)

Question 10

Step Down Assessment

Trunk Stability- Describe a score of 2, 1, and 0

Answer 10

2= Minimal Trunk Lean (≤5°)
1= Mild Trunk Lean (≥6° or ≤10°)
0= Significant Trunk Lean (>10°)

Question 11

Step Down Assessment

Hip Strategy- Describe a score of 2, 1, and 0

Answer 11

2= Good Hip Strategy (trunk + thigh =2)
1= Moderate Hip Strategy (trunk + thigh =1)
0= No hip Strategy (trunk + thigh =2)

Question 12

Step Down Assessment

Hip strategy- Describe trunk and thigh requirements

Answer 12

Trunk:
1= ≥30°
0= 45°