Using the Body Weight Forward Lunge to Screen an Athlete's Lunge Pattern

The lunge pattern is considered a fundamental movement pattern due to its occurrence in activities of daily living and sport-specific training. It is a pattern often used by sport medicine professionals and strength and conditioning specialists to improve proprioception and strength. The forward lunge has been established as an effective exercise for improving coordination and muscle balance to enhance performance in unilateral activities such as sprinting and change of direction. Due to the prevalence of the lunge pattern in sport training, screening an athlete's lunge pattern before extensive loading of muscle occurs may be a best practice.