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Forward upward leading step test for the clinical evaluation of locomotor ability

The stepping movement is a form of locomotion used in standard fitness testing and in the prediction of physical work capacity. The present study examined the forward upward leading step test (FULST) as a clinical instrument in categorizing locomotor disability. Three individuals with unilateral affectation of the lower limb were tested using the FULST. Their cases were presented to demonstrate the value of the test in locomotor assessment. Though conclusive inferences cannot be made from the cases, they do demonstrate that: (1) stepping can be used in assessing the locomotor capability of the lower limb; (2) the procedure can be used in detecting abnormality in stepping arising as a direct result of problems in joints and/or muscles of the lower limbs; (3) the FULST can be used to assess functionality of orthotic devices such as ankle foot orthosis; (4) status following treatment can be monitored in a simple way by subjecting patients to periodic step tests.