Lateral Scoot
Description & Directions
"Move sideways 2 inches without using your arms."
Patient may move in their preferred direction or to stronger or less involved side. Use tape measure to ensure 2 inches of movement. Assign a score.
Lateral Scoot Scoring
| Score | Description | Selected Example |
| 4 | Independent | Normal performance. |
| 3 | Verbal cues/increased time | Impulsive movement deemed unsafe, would require verbal cues to slow down. |
| 2 | Upper extremity support | Must use hand(s) to complete scoot, even on repeated attempt. |
| 1 | Needs assistance | Min A needed to complete the scoot. |
| 0 | Dependent | Requires total assist to scoot. |
Common questions about Lateral Scoot
- I had to provide cues for the patient to try a second time using their hands. On the second attempt, when using their hands, the patient successfully scooted. How to I score the patient? You provided cues (score = 3) but the patient had to use their hands to be successful (score = 2). You select the lower of the scores, a 2, to best reflect their need to use their hands.
Video examples
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Now you are familiar with all 14 of the FIST items.
