Comparison of Reliability of Two Weight-Bearing Ankle Dorsiflexion Measurements

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Passive range of motion in the weight bearing position is important for functional mobility. An easy to administer weight bearing method that is reliable and valid, using a standard, non-digital goniometer (rulongmeter), is not fully established. Our study examined performing an ankle goniometric measurement in a standing lunge position, to identify and compare the inter-rater reliability with the subject's lower extremity elevated on a step versus on the floor. <h3>Design</h3> Methodological study, systematic random assignment. <h3>Setting</h3> Academic. <h3>Participants</h3> A convenience sample of thirty-six college students was recruited with flyers and postings. Subjects with ankle fusions, ankle surgery, or an ankle sprain within the past 6 months were excluded. <h3>Interventions</h3> Subjects were tested using a rulongmeter. All measurements were taken on the right ankle with subjects barefoot in a single session. Measurements were taken by 4 different testers. Standardized instructions for assuming the lunge position with the subject's foot on the floor or on the 12 inch step were provided by first tester. The subjects were systematically randomized to start on the step or the floor and the testers rotated their order of testing. The subjects were allowed to return to a resting position between testers keeping their foot stationary. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Reliability of goniometric weight-bearing dorsiflexion measurement. <h3>Results</h3> Thirty-six test subjects, 20 male and 16 female. Although the subjects varied in age from 20 to 42 years, 77.8% were between 20-29 years of age. In both positions the intra-class correlation was very high (floor ICC = 0.987; step ICC = 0.983). However, the dorsiflexion on the step was consistently lower by an average of 2 degrees than dorsiflexion on the floor (p = 0.0001). <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study examined the validity and reliability of 2 weight bearing methods of ankle dorsiflexion measurement. The reliability of both methods was high, however, between the two testing positions, the measurements were different. Consistency of the method of measurement is most important to have accurate comparisons of range of motion over time. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflicts of interest with the study.