Physical Therapy Korea (한국전문물리치료학회지)

Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy (한국전문물리치료학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Immediate Effects of Uphill Treadmill Walking Exercise on Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion and Torque in Patients With Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion

  • Sejong Park (Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University) ;
  • Yixin Wang (Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University) ;
  • Beom-Seop Kim (Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University) ;
  • Hye-Seon Jeon (Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University)
  • Received : 2024.10.22
  • Accepted : 2024.12.03
  • Published : 2024.12.20
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Background: Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) is associated with mechanical dysfunctions and chronic ankle instability. Uphill treadmill walking exercise (UTWE) has the potential to improve ankle mobility and function. Objects: This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of a 15° UTWE on DF ROM and torque generation in patients with limited DF. Methods: The study included 20 adults, comprising 10 males and 10 females, with a mean age 28 years and a passive DF range of 5°-12°. After baseline assessments, participants completed 30 minutes of UTWE on a 15° incline treadmill, followed by post-assessments. DF ROM was evaluated during the stance phase of gait, and in both open-kinematic-chain (OKC) and closed-kinematic-chain (CKC) conditions using a goniometer and Image J software. DF and plantar flexion (PF) peak torque were measured with a Biodex Dynamometer. Results: Post intervention, maximum DF ROM during the stance phase of gait increased significantly from a mean of 8.54° ± 3.97° to 11.03° ± 4.41°. The DF ROM in the OKC and CKC conditions increased significantly from a mean of 8.90° ± 0.62° and 21.55° ± 0.72° to 18.00° ± 1.13° and 28.20° ± 1.00°, respectively (p < 0.0001). DF peak torque increased from 16.20 ± 1.28 N/m to 21.52 ± 1.39 N/m, and PF peak torque increased from 25.26 ± 2.51 N/m to 44.22 ± 4.20 N/m (p < 0.0002). Conclusion: UTWE significantly enhanced DF ROM and ankle torque, indicating that it may be an effective intervention for improving ankle function and preventing injury in clinical and rehabilitation settings.

Keywords

References

  1. Medeiros DM, Martini TF. Chronic effect of different types of stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion: systematic review and meta-analysis. Foot (Edinb) 2018;34:28-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foot.2017.09.006
  2. Hoch MC, Farwell KE, Gaven SL, Weinhandl JT. Weight-bearing dorsiflexion range ofmotion and landing biomechan-ics in individuals with chronic ankle instability.J Athl Train 2015;50(8):833-9. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-50.5.07
  3. Leanderson J, Wykman A, Eriksson E. Ankle sprain and pos-tural sway in basketball players. Knee SurgSports Traumatol Arthrosc 1993;1(3-4):203-5. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01560207
  4. Weir J, Chockalingam N. Ankle joint dorsiflexion: assessment of true values necessary for normal gait. Int J Ther Rehabilit 2007;14(2):76-82. https://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2007.14.2.23518
  5. Johanson M, Baer J, Hovermale H, Phouthavong P. Subtalar jointposition during gastrocnemius stretching and ankle dor-siflexion range ofmotion.J Athl Train 2008;43(2):172-8. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-43.2.172
  6. KimJ,ParkJ, Yoon H,LeeJ.JeonH. Immediate effects ofhigh-frequency diathermy on muscle architecture and flexibility in subjects with gastrocnemius tightness. Phys Ther Korea 2020;27(2):133-9. https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2020.27.2.133
  7. Abe D, MurakiS, Yasukouchi A. Ergonomic effects ofload car-riage on energy cost of gradient walking. Appl Ergon 2008;39(2):144-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2007.06.001
  8. Lee JH, Jeon HS, ParkJH, Kim JH, Kwon OY, Choi WJ,etal. Ef-fects of 4-week downhill treadmill walking on the vertebral angle and postural muscle activity in participants with thorac-ic kyphosis and forward head posture: a comparative longitu-dinal study.J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2024;37(3):707-13. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-230187
  9. Kim TH, Kim BG. The change ofankle of plantar pressure and range of motion joint according to treadmill gradients. JKo-rean Acad Orthop ManPhys Ther 2008;14(1):39-47.
  10. Neumann DA. Kinesiology ofthe musculoskeletal system. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
  11. Konor MM, Morton S, Eckerson JM, Grindstaff TL. Reliability ofthree measures ofankle dorsiflexion range of motion. IntJ Sports Phys Ther 2012;7(3):279-87.
  12. Kwon Y, Shin G. Foot kinematics and leg muscle activation patterns are altered in those with limited ankle dorsiflexion range of motion during incline walking. Gait Posture 2022;92:315-20 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.12.002
  13. Mizuno T. Changes in joint range of motion and muscle-ten-don unit stiffness after varying amounts of dynamic stretch-ing.JSports Sci 2017;35(21):2157-63. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1260149
  14. Murphy DF, Connolly DA, Beynnon BD. Risk factors for lower extremity injury: a review of the literature. Br J Sports Med 2003;37(1):13-29. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.37.1.13
  15. Fong CM, Blackburn JT, Norcross MF, McGrath M, Padua DA. Ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion and landing biomechan-ics.시 Athl Train 2011;46(1):5-10. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-46.1.5
  16. Hasson CJ, Miller RH, Caldwell GE. Contractile and elastic an-klejoint muscular properties in young and older adults. PLoS One 2011;6(1):e15953. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0015953
  17. Macrum E, BellDR, Boling M, Lewek M, Padua D. Effect oflim-iting ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion on lower extremity kinematics and muscle-activation patterns during a squat.J Sport Rehabil 2012;21(2):144-50. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.21.2.144