Objective
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Lateral Step Up Test (LSU)
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Purpose
Assessment of functional mobility and strength of the lower limbs, concentric and eccentric lower limb muscle strength, as well as balance and proprioceptive sense
Also useful as outcome measure
All ambulant children
Assesment Type
Patient Group
Cerebral Palsy | Musculoskeletal | Neurodisability (Other) | Neuromuscular
Age Group
Children (3-12 years) | Adolescents (13-17 years)
ICF domain
Activity & Participation
Area of assessment
Gross Motor
Key description
Description
Closed kinetic chain test. Unilateral or bilateral. Standing with the extremity being tested on the step with their feet parallel and shoulder width apart. The hip and knee of the extremity being tested was then moved into full extension (extension phase), followed by flexion until the heel of the extremity not being tested touched the floor
Hands are positioned on hips and maintaining the pelvis in a horizontal position and the foot of the non tested extremity in a dorsi- flexed position throughout the test. Repetitions were counted each time the heel of the extremity not being tested touched the floor.
Number of steps in 15 or 50 seconds.
Reliability / validity
Correlation with GMFM 0.65 in children with CP
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5925791_The_Reliability_of_the_Lateral_Step_Test#:~:text=excellent%20inter%2Dtester%20reliability%20as%20measures%20of%20functional%20lower%20limb%20strength
Strengths / weaknesses
Height of step will alter difficulty level
Cost
Free
Equipment required
Step/bench
Training required
N/A
Considerations & references
Cost
Free
References/ Links
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Lateral-Step-Up
Time to complete
5minutes
Comments
Easily translated /demonstrated in other languages
Lateral Step-Up Guide: How To, Benefits, Muscles Worked, Variations (fitnessvolt.com)
If you spot any errors or wish to suggest any amendments to this summary, please contact paediatricmeasures@apcp.org.uk