A Comparison of Ankle Range of Motion and Flexibility in Older Women, Fallers, and Nonfallers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the diminution of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion versus flexibility is a causative factor in falls in older women (age > 59 years). A sample of 20 women over the age of 59 years was used. Ten of the women had fallen more than two times in the past 12 months (F), the remaining 10 had no history of recent falls (NF). Both groups had passive ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion (D) and passive ankle dorsiflexion flexibility (DF) measured with a goniometer. DR was measured with the knee flexed to 90°. DF was measured with the knee fully extended. Statistical comparison of the two groups showed no significant difference in the degrees of movement of DR between the groups. DF degrees of movement, for the two groups, showed a significant decreased in the group of fallers. The findings in this study suggest a link between decreased DF and falls in the older women.