By Michael G. Popson, A.T.C.
ADirector of Outreach Services for Vaughn, Buchanan, Shelley & Associates Physical Therapists, P.A.
The lower extremity injury is the most difÏcult to rehabilitate, especially in athletes. Therefore, the necessity to restore the injured athlete to a normal state is vital. To return to a normal state, there is one important factor to concentrate upon, the athlete’s gait (walking and running). We encourage them to escape their limp pattern as soon as possible.
When the athlete can walk pain free and without a limp, they are progressed through a series of functional activities. Therefore, these activities will help you determine the stability of the injury as well as the athlete’s ability to return to competition.
Figure 1:
These activities are classified as the “Sideline Test.”
The signs to observe are an obvious limp and pain. A limp is simple to detect, but pain is not, therefore, pain is rated on a scale of 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest). Remember coaches, there is a difference between pain and further damage (1-5 is workable pain and 6-10 is damaging pain).
A.
B.
Straight Ahead Pattern: (Refer to Figure1)
1.
Walk without pain or limp.
2.
Jog 50% speed.
3.
Jog 75% speed.
4.
Sprint 100% speed.
Figure of Eight Pattern: (Refer to Figure2) 1.
Jog 50% speed.
2.
3.
Sprint 100% speed.
Figure 2:
10 yds. Figure of Eight Pattern C.
Circle Pattern: (Refer to Figure 3) 1.
Good leg on the inside of circle:. a. 10 yds. at 50% speed. b. 8 yds. at 75% speed. c. 5 yds. at 100% speed. 2.
Bad leg on the inside of circle: a. 10 yds. at 50% speed. b. 8 yds. at 75% speed. c. 5 yds. at 100% speed. D.
1.
Jog 50% speed.
2.
Jog 75% speed.
3.
Sprint 100% speed. Figure 3: Circle Pattern at 10 yds., 8yds., and 5 yds.
FOR LEG INJURIES E.
FG.
Jumping for Height on Wall: (Refer to Figure 5) 1.
2.
3.
Non-Contact Drills: (designated by coach)
1.
Ball skills.
2.
3.
Run through plays, no contact!
4.
Use your imagination to test sport skills.
Competition Release: (Full Contact) 1.
Passing test with an “A+”
2.
Full practice, no restrictions!
3.
(tape or brace).
Figure 5:
Jumping For Height On Wall at 50%, 75% and Max.
The test is graded on a scale of A,B,C,D, or Fail. The athlete must be able to score an “A+” to pass. Therefore, there is no limp and no pain over a athlete begins to limp or has pain over a level of 6, the test ends and the athlete fails. However, it might take several days to weeks before the athlete passes the test:
The severity of the injury will limit progress. The coach must be patient with the athlete if they fail the test.
Encourage the athlete to work on the activities daily to improve. However, this test is not a substitution for the athlete’s strengthening or rehabilitation program The “Sideline Test” is used in conjunction with these other programs to return the athlete in a healthy condition and safe from re-injury!
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From BFS Magazine — Fall 1991. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
