Change in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and ultrasonographic images of the tibialis anterior with age

Abstract

[Purpose] This study was designed to compare the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and muscle density of the tibialis anterior among different age groups. [Methods] The study subjects were 30 and 30 female elderly persons. Their ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in the sitting position was measured with a goniometer and muscle density was measured using the transverse ultasonographic images of the tibialis anterior in flexion with the bent atknee to 90 degrees. [Results] There were significant differences in the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and in the muscle density of the tibialis anterior among the different age groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that dorsiflexion at the ankle joint and the tibialis anterior play important roles in maintaining balance. Therefore, clinical research into the roles of the ankle joint and the tibialis anterior to in maintaining the balance of the elderly will be helpful.