• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.159-165
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of early ankle exercise with functional electrical stimulation(FES) on spasticity, strength and active range of motion of ankle in patients with stroke. Methods: This study included 21 patients with stroke, who were performed early ankle exercise combined FES. The exercise program comprised 5 sessions of 30 minutes per week for 4 weeks. The spasticity, strength and active range of motion of ankle were evaluated before and after training. The spasticity was measured by modified ashworth scale(MAS), strength of ankle was measured by hand-held dynamometer and active range of motion of ankle dorsi-flexion was measured by goniometer. All data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. Results: Significant differences were observed the subjects for strength of ankle and active range of motion. The results of the study were as follow: strength of ankle was significantly increased subjects(p<.001) and active range of motion was significantly increased subjects(p<.001). Conclusion: Ankle is very important part of body in stroke patients. early ankle exercise with FES is effective for improvement of strength of ankle and active range of motion in patients with stroke. ealry ankle exercise with FES about stroke patient is very useful and effective. It is effective in clinical practice.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.28-36
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the increasing ankle range motion program on ambulation and balance for the elderly with balance disorder. Eighteen elderly subjects were administered with a timed test twice; approximately 4 weeks apart. The exercise group participated in a fall prevention exercise class at the Y.S. Senior Welfare Center of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The session consisted of a stationary cycle, static stretching ankle joints, balance boards, and progressive resistive exercises using the Thera-band. The results were as follows: Firstly, the increasing ankle range of motion program was effective on the exercise group. Gait-speed was improved (p<.005). Secondly, balance was significantly improved (p<.000). Thirdly, increasing ankle range of motion program was effective in ankle dorsiflexion which was the major risk factor for falls among the elderly. Differences in gait and balance between the groups were examined using a paired t-test (p<.05). The exercise group demonstrated significantly higher values of gait-speed, ankle range of motion, and balance when compared with the non-exercise group. The results of this study suggest that the increasing ankle range of motion program is an effective intervention for the elderly with balance disorder.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.10-15
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• 2021

Objective: Limited ankle dorsiflexion is related to ankle injuries. There are various exercises to increase the flexibility of the gastrocnemius for improving the passive range of motion in ankle dorsiflexion. However, to performances in daily activities and athletic sports and higher efficiency of walking and running, both ankle dorsiflexion passive and active range of motion are needed. To investigate the effects of combined gastrocnemius stretching and tibialis anterior resistance exercise on ankle kinematics (passive and active range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion) and tibialis anterior muscle activity in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Design: Cross-sectional single-group repeated measures design. Methods: Fourteen subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion were recruited (in the right ankle in 7 and the left ankle in 7). All subjects performed gastrocnemius stretching alone and tibialis anterior resistance exercise after gastrocnemius stretching. The passive and active range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion were measured after interventions immediately. The tibialis anterior activity was measured during active range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion measurement. Results: There was no significant difference of ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion between gastrocnemius stretching alone and the tibialis anterior resistance exercise after gastrocnemius stretching. The tibialis anterior resistance exercise after gastrocnemius stretching significantly increased active range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion compared to gastrocnemius stretching alone (p<0.05). The tibialis anterior resistance exercise after gastrocnemius stretching significantly increased tibialis anterior activity better than did gastrocnemius stretching alone. Conclusions: Thus, subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion should be encouraged to perform tibialis anterior resistance exercises.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.56-61
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• 2019

Purpose: The spasticity of stroke patients decreases the ankle range of motion and increases the gastrocnemius muscle tone. This study examined the effects of stretching exercise and far infrared irradiation on the ankle function in stroke patients with spasticity. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 stroke patients admitted to Jesaeng General Hospital, who were divided into a study group (stretching exercise with far infrared) and control group (stretching exercise only). The dorsiflexion range of motion was measured using a smartphone and the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness were measured using a Myoton pro. Results: With the exception of the non-paretic gastrocnemius muscle tone in the control group, the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness decreased significantly in both groups. In both groups, the dorsiflexion range of motion increased significantly. In addition, the experimental group had a significantly higher dorsiflexion range of motion than the control group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness. Conclusion: For stroke patients with spasticity, stretching exercises increased the ankle's range of motion and decreased the gastrocnemius muscle tone. The addition of heat therapy further increased the ankle's range of motion. On the other hand, as the sample size was small, future studies should include more subjects.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.274-281
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• 2022

Background: The range of motion (ROM) and balance ability of the ankle joint affect the stability of the ankle and prevent injuries or hurts from falling. In the clinical tests conducted recently, the floss band is widely used to enhance the range of joint motion and exercise performance, and there are many studies that have applied it to ankle joint increasing dorsi flexion (DF) angle. Objects: This study compared the effects on the range of ankle motion and static/dynamic balance ability of the ankle through three conditions (before floss band intervention, after floss band intervention, and after active exercise intervention) for adults. Methods: One intervention between floss band and active exercise was applied randomly and another intervention was applied the next day. After each intervention, the ROM of the ankle joints and the static balance was checked by measuring conducting one leg test. And the dynamic balance was checked by conducting a Y-balance test. Results: In the case of DF, the range of joint motion showed a significant increase after floss band intervention compared to before floss band intervention (p < 0.05). Static balance ability showed a significant increase after the intervention of floss band and active exercise compared to before the intervention of floss band (p < 0.05). The dynamic balance ability showed a significant increase after the intervention of the floss band compared to before intervention of the floss band and after active exercise intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on these results, it was confirmed that the application of floss band to the ankle joint increases DF and improves the static and dynamic balance ability. Based on this fact, we propose the application of a floss band as an intervention method to improve the ROM of the ankle joint and improve the stability of the ankle in clinical field.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.93-103
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of therapeutic exercise on pain, range of motion and strength, and balance ability in a patient with an anterior ankle impingement (AAI). METHODS: A-32-year-old male presented limited ankle motion and pain with forced dorsiflexion at both ankle joints. In response, a therapeutic exercise program consisted of ankle joint mobilization, strength exercises using an elastic band, and proprioceptive exercises including semi-squats and a one-legged standing exercise with open and closed eyes. The program was performed for 40 min/day, twice per week, for 8 weeks. Pain, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength (ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion), as well as a one-legged standing test of both ankles, were measured before and after 4 and 8 weeks of therapeutic exercise. RESULTS: VAS decreased in both ankles after 8 weeks of exercise, respectively, compared to baseline levels. Range of motion and strength increased in both ankles for dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion after 8 weeks of exercise compared to baseline levels. In addition, the ability to perform a one-legged standing test with eyes opened and closed improved in both legs after 8 week of exercise compared to baseline levels. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that therapeutic exercise improves pain, ROM, muscle strength, and balancing ability in patients with AAI.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ankle Kinesio taping on range of motion and agility during exercise in university students. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Thirty subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: taping group (n=15) and non-taping group (n=15). All groups underwent the same exercise program including stretching for 30 minutes. The exercise program proceeded in the following order: five minutes of stretching, a 20-minutes exercise program, and additional five minutes of stretching. Of the eight exercise methods suggested by Purcell et al, seven were chosen (lateral shuffle, forward and backward running, agility ladder, figure-of-8, forward jogging while jumping over cones, wall jumps and zigzags); $90^{\circ}$ cuts with lateral shuffle were omitted. The range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was measured using the goniometer. Agility was measured using the side hop test. Results: For ankle range of motion, the taping group showed significant differences in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion on both sides (p<0.05). The non-taping group showed significant differences only in left plantarflexion (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in dorsiflexion on both sides between the taping group and the non-taping group (p<0.05). All groups showed significant differences in agility on the left and right ankle (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in left ankles between the taping group and the non-taping group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Kinesio taping increased range of motion and agility during exercise in university students. Additional research on Kinesio taping for improving range of motion and agility is needed.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.1575-1579
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate how maximum-effort eccentric exercise over different contraction ranges affects the characteristics of torque-angle relationship of human ankle plantarflexor in-vivo. Subjects were randomly assigned in two groups. One group (n=6) performed 120 maximum-effort eccentric ankle dorsiflexion contractions at short muscle length (ankle range of motion from -5 to 15 deg) and the other group (n=6) at long (ankle range of motion from 10 to 30 deg) muscle length. Eccentric exercise decreased the maximum isometric ankle plantarflexion torque ${\sim}40%$. It was found that the optimum ankle joint angle changed from 7.5 deg to 11.1 deg and 10.1 deg, shifted toward the longer muscle length, regardless of the exercise range. The results of this study suggest that eccentric exercise alters the characteristics of torqueangle relationship of the muscle but there is no differential effect of the eccentric contraction range.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.12-16
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• 2023

Purpose: Postoperative exercise for acute Achilles tendon rupture is important for a patient's return to daily life and sports. On the other hand, the protocol requires considerable effort to educate patients and continuous checking. This study evaluated the outcome of a new simple and delayed rehabilitation protocol after Achilles tendon rupture repair. Materials and Methods: From July 2014 to November 2020, one hundred eighty-three patients were operated on by one surgeon. The exercise protocol was classified into two methods. One group (immediate protocol, control group) started immediate full weight bearing with a 20° plantar flexion range of motion from two days postoperatively. Ankle dorsiflexion was restricted to 0°. The other group (delayed protocol, case group) started full weight bearing with a controlled ankle motion boot from two weeks postoperatively. No range of motion exercise was allowed until six weeks postoperatively. Age, sex, body mass index, ankle range of motion, muscle power, time to return to previous physical activity, functional score, and complication rate were evaluated. The results of the two groups were compared using a Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. Results: The range of motion, double heel rising, and one-leg standing were achieved faster in the control group (p<0.05). However, single-heel rising, repeated single-heel rising, return to previous activity (work, run, and sport), and functional scores showed no statistical difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: Simple and delayed postoperative rehabilitation of acute Achilles tendon rupture without active range of motion exercises showed satisfactory functional results and a low complication rate.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.40-47
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• 2010

Purpose : To exam the effects of active ankle range of motion(ROM) exercise on sciatic nerve movement and provide the evidence that use it to patients with hypomobile sciatic nerve as a nerve mobilization technique. Methods : The subjects consist of 32 asymptomatic healthy adults(male; 15, female; 17) who have limited passive straight leg raising(PSLR) ranges below 70 degrees. First, examiner measures PSLR angles at three times. Then, subject was instructed perform the active ankle ROM exercise(dorsiflexion and plantarflextion) at limited angle. After each subject completed the active ankle ROM exercise, return the starting position and examiner measures the PSLR angles at three times again. Results : First, PSLR range was no significant differences between dominant and non-dominant leg(p >.05). Second, active ankle ROM exercise significantly increased PSLR range by mean of degrees(p <.05). Third, there was no learning effects among the measurement trials(p >.05). Conclusion : These data show that active ankle ROM exercise can mobilize the sciatic nerve. Therefore, it can be applied to patients with hypomobile sciatic nerve(sliding dysfunction) as a neural mobilization technique.