Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
09:38
The Ladder Rung Walking Task: A Scoring System and its Practical Application.
Published on: June 12, 2009
A new progression scale for common lower-limb rehabilitation tasks
Amy C Scarfe1, Franois-Xavier Li, Dave B Reddin
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|July 9, 2010
Summary
This study introduces a data-driven approach to lower extremity injury rehabilitation using ground reaction force measures. It provides a framework for progressing closed kinetic chain exercises through distinct rehabilitation stages.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Traditional rehabilitation often lacks empirical evidence for exercise progression.
- A gap exists between rehabilitation exercises and return to athletic activities.
- Closed kinetic chain exercises are crucial but their progression is typically anecdotal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize ground reaction force (GRF) measures for guiding the progression of closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises.
- To establish an evidence-based framework for lower extremity injury rehabilitation.
- To objectively rank exercises for different rehabilitation phases.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four healthy participants performed 10 different movements (jumps, squats, locomotive tasks).
- Ground reaction force data (peak vertical force [Fz], Fz relative to body weight [Fz/BW], rate of force development [RFD]) were collected using a force platform.
- Kinematic data were captured using a motion analysis system to evaluate variability.
Main Results:
- Significant interactions were found between tasks and all force measures (peak Fz, peak Fz/BW, RFD).
- Most tasks showed significant differences in force measures.
- Peak Fz and Fz/BW demonstrated clear exercise progression, while RFD identified three distinct exercise groups.
Conclusions:
- GRF measures provide objective data to guide CKC exercise progression in lower extremity rehabilitation.
- Exercises can be categorized into early, mid, late, and final stages based on force measures.
- This evidence-based ranking can inform clinical practice for prescribing rehabilitation exercises.
