Table 1

Illustration of operationalisation of the Deep Squat test

Deep Squat
Functional Movement Screen rulesNumber of variables for consideration in real time by the assessor
Upper torso is parallel with tibia or towards vertical

  1. Thorax inclination angle must be less than the tibial inclination angle.

Femur below horizontal

  1. Long axis of the left femur must pass through the horizontal.

  2. Long axis of the right femur must pass through the horizontal.

Knees aligned over feet

  1. Left knee joint centre does not exceed the medial and lateral borders of the foot in the coronal plane.

  2. Right knee joint centre does not exceed the medial and lateral borders of the foot in the coronal plane.

Dowel aligned over feet

  1. Left dowel position (forwards) does not exceed the anterior foot border in the sagittal plane.

  2. Left dowel position (backwards) does not exceed heel position in the sagittal plane.

  3. Right dowel position (forwards) does not exceed the anterior foot border in the sagittal plane.

  4. Right dowel position (backwards) does not exceed heel position in the sagittal plane.

Keeping your heels in position

  1. Left heel displacement must not exceed 5 mm vertically.

  2. Right heel displacement must not exceed 5 mm vertically.