By Dr. Clifford Yun, PT, DPT

An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear is a common knee injury for high impact sports. In particular, this time of year is dedicated to the pre-habilitation of our skiers. To evaluate if someone is at risk for knee injury we can utilize a series of functional exams known as Single Leg Hop Tests. These tests are designed to measure knee angles through various types of movement. In particular, our patients are measured by the knee that gives them pain or weakness compared to the non-injured or stronger knee.

FUNCTIONAL HOP TESTS:

Single-Leg Hop Distance Test: Measure the total distance of jump with one leap on one leg.

Single-Leg 6 meter Timed Hop Test: Measure the total distance covered for a single leg for three hops.

Single-Leg Tripple Hop Distance Test: Measure the time to travel 6-meters by hopping on one leg.

Single-Leg Tripple CrossOver Hop Test: Measure the forward distance covered while hopping on one leg forward and across a 6-meter line.

An additional test for hip and knee strength stability are the single leg sit to stand test and the single-leg hop down test.

For these two tests we are looking for general strength as well as the ability to maintain the knee over the middle of the foot and keep the pelvis level.

See these test in action on our youtube channel and follow our instagram @BrillPT for our #ExerciseOfTheMonth #ExerciseOfTheWeek. Every Thursday for January we’ll post exercises we use throughout an ACL recovery process.