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directly with actual physical function. This is the reason for functional performance testing. The lack of clinical correlation also makes it imperative that functional testing as described in this book be performed to ensure that the individual can safely return to the given activity. Compared to the classical objective measures of physical function, functional performance testing more closely mimics physical activities that people wish to return to. For example, the fact that a person has full shoulder range of motion does not mean that he or she can throw a softball far enough to return to full unrestricted play. If this same person has full range of motion, full strength, and full neuromuscular control and additionally is able to achieve an excellent score on the Underkoffler softball throw without adverse symptoms, we are much more confident about the prospect of a safe return to unrestricted overhead throwing activities. Even though some feel that observing the performance of an individuals usual activities is time-consuming (Verbrugge & Jette 1994), many functional tests closely approximate the activities that people need or wish to do. Physical performance tests have varying amounts of complexity and impose different levels of physical demand. The clinician should ensure that testing is at the appropriate level and occurs at the appropriate time for the individual client. Functional performance testing should not be done in a random, haphazard manner. As with any objective measurement used to assess an injured client, one should carefully evaluate the appropriateness of each test before introducing it. For example, a client who is only six weeks post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is not an appropriate candidate for performance of the single-leg hop test. This test would be far too aggressive. It would be more appropriate and much safer to use the single-leg timed stance. Davies and Zillmers (2000) functional testing algorithm (FTA) is an objective, systematic, functional-based testing progression according to which the client must pass one level of functional performance testing before proceeding to a higher-level test. The FTA appears to provide a safe and effective way to perform a variety of testing maneuvers. Chapter 3 describes the use of the FTA in detail.