Publications
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is associated with compression stiffness of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, foot structures, and hallux extension range of motion
Authors: Yuta Koshino 1, Tomoya Takabayashi 2, Takumi Kobayashi 3, Shintarou Kudo 4, 5, Mutsuaki Edama 2, 6
Affiliations:
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
- Graduate School of Health Science, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
- Inclusive Medical Sciences Research Institute, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
- Athlete Support Research Center, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
Journal: Foot and Ankle Surgery - November 2025, In Press (DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2025.11.007)
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Field & Applications:
- Sport
- Medical
- Musculoskeletal health
- Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Background: This study aimed to identify factors affecting ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM) under non-weightbearing (knee extended and flexed) and weightbearing conditions.
Methods: Thirty-four healthy participants were assessed using 3D foot scanner, Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), hallux extension ROM, anterior ankle displacement, and muscle stiffness (gastrocnemius and soleus) via ultrasonic shear wave elastography and myotonometer.
Results: Multiple regression showed that DROM was associated with arch height index and lateral gastrocnemius compression stiffness via myotonometer under non-weightbearing with the knee extended; with FPI-6, hallux extension ROM, and lateral gastrocnemius compression stiffness under non-weightbearing with the knee flexed; and with FPI-6 and soleus compression stiffness under weightbearing conditions (adjusted R² = 0.34–0.46, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: This study indicates that ankle DROM is associated with foot structure, hallux ROM, and compression stiffness of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Specific contributing factors were identified for DROM under non-weightbearing and weightbearing conditions.
Keywords: dorsiflexion, range of motion, physical therapy, rehabilitation, ankle injury, foot posture
Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that non-weightbearing dorsiflexion range of motion was associated with foot posture, hallux extension range of motion, and lateral gastrocnemius stiffness, whereas weightbearing dorsiflexion range of motion was related to foot posture and soleus muscle stiffness. These findings indicate that ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is influenced by the foot structure, hallux range of motion, and muscle stiffness. Specific contributing factors were identified for dorsiflexion range of motion under non-weightbearing and weightbearing conditions.