Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
Published on: July 7, 2016
Changes in active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion after acute inversion ankle sprain
James W Youdas1, Timothy J McLean, David A Krause
1Program in Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Context:
Posterior calf stretching is believed to improve active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AADFROM) after acute ankle-inversion sprain.
Objective:
To describe AADFROM at baseline (postinjury) and at 2-wk time periods for 6 wk after acute inversion sprain.
Design:
Randomized trial.
Setting:
Sports clinic.
Participants:
11 men and 11 women (age range 11-54 y) with acute inversion sprain.
Intervention:
Standardized home exercise program for acute inversion sprain.
Main Outcome Measure:
AADFROM with the knee extended.
Results:
Time main effect on AADFROM was significant (F3,57 = 108, P < .001). At baseline, mean active sagittal-plane motion of the ankle was 6 degrees of plantar flexion, whereas at 2, 4, and 6 wk AADFROM was 7 degrees, 11 degrees, and 11 degrees, respectively.
Conclusions:
AADFROM increased significantly from baseline to week 2 and from week 2 to week 4. Normal AADFROM was restored within 4 wk after acute inversion sprain.
