Provide an example of a sport-specific functional test used in return-to-sport assessment after knee injury.

• A. Hop tests (single-leg), squat/step-down tasks, cutting/shunt drills or Star Excursion Balance Test.
• B. Timed 1-mile run.
• C. Max vertical jump.
• D. Push-up endurance.

Answer: (A)

Injury rehabilitation for return-to-sport relies on sport-specific functional tests that mimic the knee demands in actual play. The best example combines single-leg hop tests, squat or step-down tasks, cutting or shunt drills, and the Star Excursion Balance Test. Each component targets a different critical aspect of knee function: hop tests assess limb symmetry, power, and confidence on the injured leg; squat/step-down tasks evaluate loading, control, and knee alignment through deceleration and landing; cutting or shunt drills reproduce change-of-direction and pivoting stresses that challenge dynamic stability; and the Star Excursion Balance Test gauges dynamic balance and proprioception across multiple directions. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of whether the knee can handle the complex, multi-planar demands of sport, which is essential for making safe return-to-sport decisions.

In contrast, a timed 1-mile run measures general endurance rather than knee-specific functional ability; a maximal vertical jump looks at explosive power but not the multi-joint control or movement patterns needed in sport; and push-up endurance assesses upper-body fitness, not knee function.