Measurement of ankle dorsiflexion: comparison between two different positions

Abstract

Background: Several closed-chain activities, including walking, running, squatting or jumping, require normal flexibility of the ankle joint. Reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will limit the forward progression of the tibia over the talus during these skills. A restriction ankle dorsiflexion range of motion has been associated with several clinical conditions in the lower extremities. Weight bearing dorsiflexion measurements has been shown to be more reliable than non-weight bearing and are more clinically relevant. In clinical practice and research, multiple protocols and positions have been utilized when measuring weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, although the differences among have not been studied. Objective: The purpose of this study was to come ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in two different positions: standing and kneeling. Material and method: Sixty physically active participants (51 men, 9 women; average age 21.6 ± 1.2 years) participated in this study. Weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was evaluated, in random order, in two positions: a standard position of the weight-bearing lunge test (WBL-Nor) and with the modified weight-bearing lunge test, one knee on the floor (WBL-Mod). Results: Statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.001; η2=0.513) between the values recorded during the WBL-Nor (12.5 ± 3.2 cm) vs. WBL-Mod (10.9 ± 3.5 cm). Conclusion: The standing and kneeling tests of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion cannot be used interchangeably, if the objective is to measure peak ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. It is recommended that this test is performed in standing if the patient/research participant is capable.