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Differences in ankle joint complex range of motion as a function of age
S K Grimston1, B M Nigg, D A Hanley
1Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Foot & Ankle
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Gender and age significantly impact ankle joint complex range of motion (ROM). Females generally exhibit greater ankle ROM than males, with ROM decreasing after age 60, especially in females.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Understanding age- and gender-related changes in joint range of motion (ROM) is crucial for assessing functional mobility and identifying potential injury risks.
- Existing data on ankle joint complex (AJC) ROM often lacks comprehensive comparisons across diverse age groups and genders using a standardized protocol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender- and age-related differences in active ankle joint complex (AJC) range of motion (ROM) across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.
- To compare AJC ROM data from younger cohorts (9-20 years) with previously published data from older adults (21-79 years) using an identical measurement protocol.
Main Methods:
- A total of 120 participants (58 males, 62 females) aged 9 to 20 years were assessed for active AJC ROM.
- Measurements utilized a specialized 6 degrees of freedom fixture to digitally record angular displacements for plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion, abduction, and adduction.
- Data were analyzed in relation to a laboratory coordinate system to ensure standardized assessment across all participants.
Main Results:
- Females aged 9 to 20 years demonstrated generally greater AJC ROM compared to males across all three orthogonal axes.
- A consistent trend of decreasing AJC ROM was observed within both genders, peaking in adolescence/young adulthood (14-20 years) and reaching a minimum after age 60.
- The age-related decline in AJC ROM was more pronounced in females than in males.
Conclusions:
- This study provides robust evidence supporting the existence of significant age- and gender-related differences in ankle joint complex ROM.
- The findings highlight a potential decline in ankle mobility with aging, particularly in females, warranting further investigation into preventative strategies.
- Understanding these demographic variations in AJC ROM is essential for developing targeted interventions to maintain joint function throughout the lifespan.