Spatial-temporal parameters, pelvic and lower limb movements during gait in individuals with reduced passive ankle dorsiflexion.

Background: Proper ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADF-ROM) allows the anterior roll of the tibia relative to the foot during the midstance phase of gait, which contributes to forward movement of the body. Individuals with reduced passive ADF-ROM may present altered movement patterns during gait due to an inefficient anterior tibial roll over the support foot during the stance phase.

Research Question: What is the influence of reduced passive ADF-ROM on the pelvic and lower limb movements and spatiotemporal parameters during gait?

Method: Thirty-two participants divided into two groups according to the degree of passive ADF-ROM-less than 10° (lower ADF-ROM group) or greater than 15° (higher ADF-ROM group) -were subjected to gait assessment using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Independent t-tests were used to compare the pelvic and lower limb movements and spatiotemporal gait parameters between the groups on this cross-sectional study.

Results: The lower ADF-ROM group had shorter step length, lower peak of pelvic ipsilateral rotation angle, and lower hip and knee maximum flexion angles in the stance phase (p < 0.05). In addition, the peaks of the ankle and forefoot-rearfoot dorsiflexion angles were smaller in the reduced ADF-ROM group (p < 0.05). The between-group differences presented effect sizes varying from moderate to large.

Significance: Individuals with reduced passive ADF-ROM presented reduced foot and ankle dorsiflexion, knee and hip flexion, and pelvis rotation movements and shorter step length during gait. However, no differences in foot pronation were noted between groups. Therefore, individuals with reduced passive ADF-ROM present alterations in the lower limb and pelvic movements during gait.