Table 1. ICF Categories, Core Features & Common LE Conditions
ICF Category Core Feature Common Lower Extremity Conditions
1. Mobility Deficits (b710) Loss of ROM, stiffness, capsular restriction Hip OA; Knee OA/Meniscus/Cartilage lesions; Adhesive capsulitis (UE model applies); Ankle sprain (stiffness-limited)
2. Muscle Power/Performance Deficits (b730) Weakness, reduced endurance, ↓ force production Patellofemoral pain; Hamstring strain; Post-ACL weakness; Hip abductor weakness with FAIS
3. Movement Coordination Impairments (b760) Instability, poor neuromuscular control, faulty patterns ACL/knee ligament sprain; Recurrent ankle instability; FAIS with faulty movement
4. Pain (Overuse/Radiating/Localized) (b280) Pain is primary driver with minimal ROM/strength loss Achilles tendinopathy; Patellofemoral pain (overuse); Hamstring strain (pain-limited phase); LBP with LE pain
Table 2. Conditions, Key Clinical Signs, Primary Interventions & Outcome Measures (Hip → Knee → Ankle)
Condition Key Clinical Signs Primary Interventions Outcome Measures (PROMs & Performance)
Hip OA Limited IR & flexion; pain with WB; morning stiffness Hip mobilizations; stretching; hip abd/ext strengthening; aerobic activity; education PROMs: HOOS/HOOS-JR, HHS (if used locally). Perf: 6MWT, TUG as appropriate.
Nonarthritic Hip Pain (FAIS/Labral) +FADIR/FABER; pain with flexion/rotation; movement faults Multimodal: hip & trunk strengthening; movement retraining; manual therapy adjunct; posture/balance; education PROMs: iHOT-12/33, HAGOS, HOS-ADL & HOS-SRA. Perf: SL squat, SEBT, hop distance, single-leg sit-to-stand.
Knee OA / Meniscus / Cartilage Joint-line tenderness; effusion; ROM loss; pain with stairs/squat Progressive hip/knee strengthening; neuromuscular training; supervised exercise; early ROM; stepwise WB as indicated PROMs: IKDC 2000, KOOS (± KOOS-JR). Perf: Single-leg hop battery (as appropriate), 6MWT; effusion (modified stroke test).
Patellofemoral Pain Retropatellar pain with squat/stairs/prolonged sitting; hip/knee weakness Combined hip + knee strengthening; gait retraining; load management; short-term patellar taping; education PROMs: AKPS (Kujala), KOOS-PF, VAS/NPRS (worst & usual). Perf: Squat, step-down, single-leg squat movement quality.
ACL / Knee Ligament Sprain Instability/giving-way; +Lachman/anterior drawer; ROM loss; effusion Neuromuscular & perturbation training; progressive strengthening; early ROM & WB; hop testing to guide RTS PROMs: IKDC 2000, KOOS (± QoL), Tegner or Marx activity; ACL-RSI (psych readiness). Perf: Single-leg hop tests (distance, crossover, triple, 6-m timed).
Hamstring Strain Sudden posterior thigh pain; pain with stretch/resisted knee flexion; tender band Eccentric strengthening; progressive agility & trunk stabilization; graded running/sprinting; pain-guided loading PROMs: FASH (Functional Assessment Scale for Acute Hamstring Injuries). Perf: Time to pain-free walk; run/sprint progressions; strength via HHD/isokinetic; AKE (knee extension deficit) for length.
Achilles Tendinopathy (midportion) Pain 2–6 cm above insertion; pain with palpation & loading; morning stiffness Tendon loading (eccentric or heavy–slow resistance); remain active within tolerance; consider short-term heel lifts; education PROMs: VISA-A; region: FAAM or LEFS. Perf: Heel-raise endurance tests; hop tests (as appropriate); DF ROM; PF strength/endurance.
Ankle Sprain (stiffness-limited) Pain, swelling; ↓ dorsiflexion ROM; perceived instability ROM restoration & joint mobilization; balance/proprioception; functional/sport-specific rehab PROMs: FAAM (ADL/Sports) or LEFS. Perf: DF lunge test; Y-Balance/SEBT; hop/agility as tolerated.