Return to athletics lower extremity assessment

Deciding when an individual can start progressing back towards athletics or higher level training following a lower extremity injury or surgery can be difficult. There are a lot of variables that should be taken into consideration such as motor control, strength, power, endurance, mental readiness and the ability to manage the unpredictables (i.e. loosing footing, opposing player contact, sudden changes in direction/acceleration/deceleration, etc.).

This assessment outlines a comprehensive return to play readiness assessment for the lower extremity, which can also be used for hip and spine readiness as well. There is an associated worksheet which helps with keeping track of their performance as well as easy to follow objective measures. (This should in no way supersede clearance from their physician or other health professional ultimately responsible for their care).