Association of Ankle Dorsiflexion and Landing Forces in Jumping Athletes.

Background: Dorsiflexion range of motion restriction has been associated with patellar tendinopathy, but the mechanisms of how dorsiflexion restriction could contribute to knee overload remain unknown.

Hypothesis: Peak ankle dorsiflexion and ankle dorsiflexion excursion are negatively associated with peak vertical ground-reaction force (vGRF) and loading rate, and with peak patellar tendon force and loading rate, and positively associated with peak ankle plantar flexor moment.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.