Lateral Step Down Test

Other Names

• Lateral Step Down Test
• One Legged Squat Test

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Purpose

Demonstration of the lateral step down test including good and bad mechanics.

• Evaluate cause of knee pain
• Note: similar to Step Down Test, except patient moves in lateral direction

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Description

• The patient stands with the involved leg on a 15 cm step.
  • Hands are on waist, contralateral leg hanging over floor
  • Note: this will require most to bend the knee at about 60° during the test.
• The patient is asked to reach down and touch the opposite, noninvolved heel to the ground, then return to the starting position
• Positive test
  • The patient should be rated on the criteria
  • Score 0-1 good, 2-3 average, 4+ poor quality of movement
• Scoring
  • Arm movement (1 pt)
  • Trunk movement (1 pt)
  • Pelvis rotation (1 pt)
  • Knee position (1 pt if crosses midline 2 nd toe, 2 pts if crosses midline medial foot)
  • Stance maintenance (1 pt)
• Note
  • Dynamic patellar testing assesses trunk/pelvic stability as well
  • Weak hip abductors increase medial femoral rotation/valgus knee strain with PFPS

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Pathology

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Physical Exam Knee
• Knee Pain (Main)

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