Function--
- the
specific, natural, or proper action or activity of anything Functional
limitation--
- the inability to perform specific tasks
and activities otherwise considered normal Functional
outcome--
- a predicted result of care that is meaningful
and practical to the athlete and sustainable beyond the rehabilitation environment
Functional testing
& functional outcome measures
Purpose:
1. To determine
an athlete's ability to successfully participate in activities
a. "checkup" both for the practitioner and the athlete
2. To set a standard of unrestricted return to full athletics
following ACL surgery 3. Provides data to assess treatment
outcomes
a. justification for third party payers
b. what is working and what is not 4.
Specific goals to work towards Considerations
when designing / implementing:
- Reliability-- the
degree to which a measure is consistent and free from error
- Validity-- does the
test measure what it is supposed to measure
- Practicality-- method
of administration, time required to administer the test, equipment required,
special training for the examiners, and nature of the scoring system must
all be considered
- Ability-- to discriminate
between the presence or absence of a problem
Performance
testing: * Can use unilateral (i.e. hopping tests) and/or bilateral (i.e.
running tests) * Provides objective assessment of components in a structured,
controlled setting with minimal distractions - try and simulate their activity
environment as closely as possible * Appropriate for that time in the athlete's
rehab process - do not test a hopping component unless they have already
been performing such a task * Adequate practice/test trials and rest intervals
must be established Symmetry index: -Unilateral leg tests provide
an opportunity to compare limbs. Time, distance, and accuracy data may be compared
bilaterally. The symmetry index can be a useful tool for obtaining such measurements.
It correlates into a percentage that the athlete is currently at and can be
used as a goal to work towards. Asymmetry index less than 85% may be considered
abnormal. Symmetry index= mean value / involved X 100%
mean
value / uninvolved
Example: 34 in., 36 in., 38 in. on single leg
hop involved = 36 in. mean
36 in., 40 in., 44 in. on uninvolved leg = 40
in. mean
36 / 40 = 0.9 X 100 = 90%
Considerations
when reviewing results:
* Must be concerned about substitution and compensatory actions
- especially in a bilateral fashion (i.e. running at half speed and with bilateral
guarding) *
Be able to isolate deficit / dysfunction and institute a plan of correction
* Overall endurance of athlete
* Sport-specific
skill * Psychological
elements * Logistical
concerns - time
of day, sleep, nutrition |
