Single Leg Stance

“Here is a quick and easy recap of the most common dysfunctions revealed by the SLS test and what they might mean.

  • Elevating the rib cage when breathing / holding breath during test at any stage = poor intrinsic core stabilization. Assess the diaphragm for dysfunction.
  • Stance-leg toes gripping the ground = instability of the foot; poor stability in the stance leg / glute max inhibition.
  • Rotated shoulder or pelvis = poor patterning in the Ant.Oblique Sling and Post.Oblique Sling.
  • Flexion at the waist = decreased extension in the stance-leg hip or inhibition of the contralateral psoas.
  • Trendelenburg sign = inhibition of the stance-leg glute medius or contralateral quadratus lumborum.
  • Eyes look anywhere other than straight ahead = eye muscle facilitation (very common in post-traumatic neck injuries).
  • Head tilt / rotation = sternocleidomastoid / scalene dysfunction.”

Additional positives:

  1. Amount of pre-shift to the stance leg (should not be over 1″)
  2. Inability to hold for 15 seconds
  3. Elevation of contralateral shoulder (indicates an overactive UT which could be facilitated with each step)
  4. Hip hiking

Inhibition/Weak lateral pelvic stabilisers produce:

  1. Lateral pelvic shift
  2. Contralateral hip drop
  3. Medial rotation of femur (TFL > Gmed, Gmin and deep 6)

Finally:

  1. Excessive activity of knee, Tib Ant or toes indicates poor proprioception.

Resources:
http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=57098
Jandas Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance