Goniometry of flexion-extension ankle movement: comparative analysis between bone reference method and neutral 0 method

Abstract

Two different methods are used in goniometry of the ankle: the neutral zero method (N0M) and the bone reference method (BRM). In addition, the N0M has a subtype (N0I), with a different technique. To determine the average of the amplitude of flexion-extension of the ankle, measured in different body positions, using N0M, N0I and BRM, in young adults of both sexes, with the objective of providing evidence so that the ankle goniometry is more reliable. 190 students from the School of Kinesiology and Physiotherapy were studied, using the three methods of joint measurement in 4 different body positions; the amplitude of flex-extension in an ankle per student was evaluated. In most positions, the measurements were different in the three methods compared (P<0.05). The M0 and M0I methods yielded similar results in some comparisons. The patient's position also significantly influences the result obtained. Dorsal ankle flexion was similar between men and women in most of the methods and positions; the plantar flexion that was greater in women in all cases (P<0.0001). The full flex-extension value, in most cases, was higher in women than in men (P<0.001). Both the method and the patient's position significantly influence the results of the goniometric measurement. Gender influences the joint width of the plantar ankle flexion, regardless of the measurement method used.