What is the correct starting position of the lead foot and dowel for the In-Line Lunge?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The correct starting position for the In-Line Lunge is to place the lead foot on the front line of the board or surface, with the heel aligned directly over the center of the line, and the dowel positioned vertically along the spine. The individual should hold the dowel with one hand in the cervical (neck) region and the other in the lumbar (lower back) region, maintaining three points of contact: the head, thoracic spine, and sacrum.
Explanation:
The In-Line Lunge is one of the seven fundamental movement patterns assessed in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Its main purpose is to evaluate hip, knee, ankle, and foot mobility and stability, as well as balance and core control. To perform this movement properly, the setup must be precise.
The lead foot, which is the front foot during the lunge, is placed on the line or measuring board. The heel of the lead foot should be directly over the line to ensure alignment. The back foot is placed behind the lead foot, also in line, with the toes touching the board. This narrow stance increases the difficulty and challenges balance, which is essential to the purpose of the test.
The dowel must be held vertically along the spine. One hand grasps the dowel behind the neck and the other behind the lower back. This position ensures the back remains in a neutral alignment and helps identify compensations or loss of posture during the movement. The dowel should maintain contact with the back of the head, upper back, and tailbone throughout the movement.
This starting position is critical because it establishes proper alignment and posture. It allows for an accurate assessment of how well an individual can control movement through a narrow, challenging stance while maintaining spinal stability. Any deviation from this starting position can compromise the validity of the test and affect the outcome of the assessment.