Effect of sex and lateral ankle sprain history on dorsiflexion range of motion asymmetry during the weight bearing lunge test

De Ste Croix, Mark B ORCID: 0000-0001-9911-4355 and Deighan, Martine A ORCID: 0000-0002-8640-8028 (2024) Effect of sex and lateral ankle sprain history on dorsiflexion range of motion asymmetry during the weight bearing lunge test. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. (In Press)

Text 14038 DeSte Croix (2024) Effect of sex and lateral ankle sprain history on dorsiflexion range.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (449kB)

Abstract

Background Reduced dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) which is commonly seen following lateral ankle sprain (LAS) has the potential to influence lower extremity biomechanics which have been linked to an increase injury risk in the female athlete. Current research on the effect of sex and LAS history on DFROM is limited. Hypothesis/Purpose: This study had three aims 1) determine the effect of sex, leg dominance and LAS history on DFROM, 2) determine the effect of sex and LAS history on magnitude of asymmetry and 3) the association of sex on direction of asymmetry. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study Methods DFROM was measured bilaterally whilst performing the weight bearing lunge test (WBLT) in 105 healthy individuals all participating in multidirectional sports. A 3-way mixed ANOVA was carried out to determine the interaction between sex, LAS history and leg dominance on DFROM and a 2-way ANOVA for the effect of sex and LAS history on asymmetry. A chi-square test was used to determine the association of sex and direction of asymmetry. Results This study found no significant effect of sex, LAS history and leg dominance on DFROM (P>0.05). Main effects were significant for sex and LAS on DFROM. The mean asymmetry for all participants was reported as 12.25±14.76cm. No significant effect of sex and LAS history on magnitude of asymmetry was reported. There was a significant association of sex and direction of asymmetry (χ2(1) = 11.26, p = .00). 65.2% of males were shown to have higher DFROM of their non-dominant limb compared to 75% of females who were higher in their dominant limb. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest that DFROM is affected by sex and LAS history. Females have increased DFROM compared to males and those with LAS history are more likely to have a decreased DFROM. This study also suggests that interlimb asymmetries in DFROM are present in athletes, therefore practitioners should exercise caution when using bilateral comparisons in injury and return to play assessments.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Dorsiflexion; Lateral ankle sprains; Sex differences; Biomechanics; Weight bearing lunge test
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Charlotte Crutchlow
Date Deposited:	02 May 2024 10:26
Last Modified:	02 May 2024 10:30
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/14038

University Staff: Request a correction | Repository Editors: Update this record