The effect of reduced ankle dorsiflexion on lower extremity mechanics during landing: A systematic review

• Published in: Journal of science and medicine in sport Vol. 20; no. 5; pp. 451 - 458
• Main Authors: Mason-Mackay, A.R, Whatman, C, Reid, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2017; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Ankle; Ankle Joint - physiology; Athletic Injuries - etiology; Biomechanical Phenomena; Biomechanics; Female; Humans; Injury risk; Jumping; Kinematics; Lower Extremity - physiology; Male; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Range of motion; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Sports; Sports injuries; Sports Medicine; Systematic review; Tendons; Weight-Bearing; Ankle; Range of motion; Injury risk; Sports
• ISSN: 1440-2440; 1878-1861
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.06.006

Abstract Objectives To examine the evidence for effect of restricted ankle dorsiflexion range of motion on lower-extremity landing mechanics. Design Literature review. Methods Systematic search of the literature. Articles critiqued by two reviewers. Results Six studies were identified that investigated the effect of restricted DF ROM on landing mechanics. Overall, results suggest that landing mechanics are altered with restricted DF ROM, but studies disagree as to the particular mechanical variables affected. Conclusions There is evidence that restricted dorsiflexion range of motion may alter lower-extremity landing mechanics in a manner, which predisposes athletes to injury. Interpretation of results was made difficult by the variation in landing tasks investigated and the lack studies investigating sport-specific landing tasks. The focus of studies on specific mechanical variables rather than mechanical patterns and the analysis of pooled data in the presence of different compensation strategies between participants also made interpretation difficult. These areas require further research.