Range of Motion of the Ankle According to Pushing Force, Gender and Knee Position

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the difference of range of motion (ROM) of ankle according to pushing force, gender and knee position.MethodsOne hundred and twenty-eight healthy adults (55 men, 73 women) between the ages of 20 and 51, were included in the study. One examiner measured the passive range of motion (PROM) of ankle by Dualer IQ Inclinometers and Commander Muscle Testing. ROM of ankle dorsiflexion (DF) and plantarflexion (PF) according to change of pushing force and knee position were measured at prone position.ResultsThere was significant correlation between ROM and pushing force, the more pushing force leads the more ROM at ankle DF and ankle PF. Knee flexion of 90° position showed low PF angle and high ankle DF angle, as compared to the at neutral position of knee joint. ROM of ankle DF for female was greater than for male, with no significant difference. ROM of ankle PF for female was greater than male regardless of the pushing force.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the relationship between pushing force and ROM of ankle joint. There was significant correlation between ROM of ankle and pushing force. ROM of ankle PF for female estimated greater than male regardless of the pushing force and the number of measurement. The ROM of the ankle is measured differently according to the knee joint position. Pushing force, gender and knee joint position are required to be considered when measuring the ROM of ankle joint.

Bottom-Up Kinetic Chain in Drop Landing among University Athletes with Normal Dynamic Knee Valgus

“…In a previous study among 128 healthy adults (55 men, 73 women), ankle dorsiflexion ROM for females was greater than for males, although the differences were not statistically significant [28]. Additionally, females showed greater ROM in lower-extremity joints than adult males [31]. The results from these two studies concur with our findings.…”

“…The results from these two studies concur with our findings. Greater ankle mobility among females is due to the greater capacity of plantarflexors, as compared to males [31]. Greater passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM was associated with greater hip and knee flexion and lower GRFs during a jump-landing task in healthy individuals [15].…”

Determining the Reliability of a New Method for Measuring Joint Range of Motion Through a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Extrinsic factors include type of measurement (active vs. passive), site, amount of pushing force in passive ROM, movement of adjacent joints or muscles, measurement instrument, and skill level of the examiner. Intrinsic factors include sex, obesity, soft tissue condition (muscle mass, tendon length, and tissue viscoelasticity), and physical activity (exercise and/or occupation) [7,9,12]. While intrinsic factors are difficult to control, extrinsic factors can be controlled using a standardized protocol.…”

“…For example, the measurement method for normal ROM provided by the Disability Act and National Pension Act of Korea is based on passive ROM, in which the examiner moves the patient and offers no information about measurement position, the site of applied force, and the degree of pushing force. In a study by Cho et al [7] regarding ankle ROM, a significant correlation was found between ankle ROM and pushing force; however, ROM was measured using different techniques according to the knee joint position and sex. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a standard reference for joint ROM measurement considering the pushing force (site and amount) and measurement position.…”

Assessment of Ankle Movements Through a Game-Based Sphere: Proof of Concept

“…Thus, people usually perform a variaety of activities with one or other limb in a daily basis [1,4,5,6]. This "unconscious training" helps to develop abilities that can make a difference when performing Activities of Daily Living.…”