The influence of knee position on ankle dorsiflexion - a biometric study

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Hans Polzer¹  Markus Regauer¹  Wolf Mutschler¹  Jakob Binder¹  Mareen Brumann¹  Sebastian F Baumbach¹ 

[1] Department of Trauma Surgery – Campus Innenstadt, Munich University Hospital, Nussbaumstr. 20, 80336 Munich, Germany

关键词: Ankle joint;    Range of motion;    Knee flexion;    Musculus gastrocnemius tightness;   

Others  :  1122326
DOI  :  10.1186/1471-2474-15-246

 received in 2014-02-24, accepted in 2014-07-15,  发布年份 2014

【 摘 要 】

Background

Musculus gastrocnemius tightness (MGT) can be diagnosed by comparing ankle dorsiflexion (ADF) with the knee extended and flexed. Although various measurement techniques exist, the degree of knee flexion needed to eliminate the effect of the gastrocnemius on ADF is still unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the minimal degree of knee flexion required to eliminate the restricting effect of the musculus gastrocnemius on ADF.

Methods

Bilateral ADF of 20 asymptomatic volunteers aged 18-40 years (50% female) was assessed prospectively at six different degrees of knee flexion (0°, 20°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, Lunge). Tests were performed following a standardized protocol, non weightbearing and weightbearing, by two observers. Statistics comprised of descriptive statistics, t-tests, repeated measurement ANOVA and ICC.

Results

20 individuals with a mean age of 27 ± 4 years were tested. No significant side to side differences were observed. The average ADF [95% confidence interval] for non weightbearing was 4° [1°-8°] with the knee extended and 20° [16°-24°] for the knee 75° flexed. Mean weightbearing ADF was 25° [22°-28°] for the knee extended and 39° [36°-42°] for the knee 75° flexed. The mean differences between 20° knee flexion and full extension were 15° [12°-18°] non weightbearing and 13° [11°-16°] weightbearing. Significant differences of ADF were only found between full extension and 20° of knee flexion. Further knee flexion did not increase ADF.

Conclusion

Knee flexion of 20° fully eliminates the ADF restraining effect of the gastrocnemius. This knowledge is essential to design a standardized clinical examination assessing MGT.

【 授权许可】

   
2014 Baumbach et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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