FORWARD LUNGE (FL)
Description
FL Report
Functional Implications
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Description
The FL quantifies movement characteristics as the patient lunges or steps forward onto one leg, then pushes back with that leg to return to a standing position. The parameters measured are distance, time, impact index (impact force), and force impulse.
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FL Comprehensive Report
- The COG trace for each trial is shown on the left side of the report.
- Above the COG trace, Vertical Force is illustrated as a percentage of body weight for duration of the contact time.
- Distance is the lunge (step) length expressed as a percentage of the individual’s height, as characterized by forward movement of the COG.
- Impact Index is the maximum vertical force exerted by the lunging (stepping) leg onto the surface during the landing, expressed as a percentage of the individual’s body weight.
- Contact Time is the duration in seconds of surface contact with the lunging leg in the forward direction.
- Force Impulse is a measure of the total work performed by the lunging leg during the landing and thrust phases of the movement. Force impulse is expressed as a percentage of body weight (force) multiplied by the time the force is exerted in seconds.
- The shaded area on each graphic represents performance outside of the normative data range. Green bars indicate performance within the normal range; red bars indicate performance outside the normal range. A numerical value is given at the top of each bar.
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Functional Implications
Normal lunge distances approach the body height and impact indices are typically small. Patients able to perform more useful work with the knee joint muscles achieve higher force scores. Satisfactory performance on this challenging test requires strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, and control.
Functional consequences are in the ability to participate in sports or occupational activities requiring rapid and significant limb loading and unloading. There is also a risk of injury in circumstances where rapid loading occurs involuntarily. When stepping, the ability to achieve an adequate stepping strategy and maintain postural control can be a measure of balance and safety in mobility impaired individuals.
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