• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.29-35
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• 2020

PURPOSE: This study examined the immediate effects of Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (GIASTM) and self-stretching on the muscular properties of the gastrocnemius in athletes. METHODS: Thirty subjects (All in their 20 s) were distributed randomly and evenly into two groups of 15 each: GIASTM and stretching. The subjects had no history of gastrocnemius damage in the previous three months. The muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, and mechanical stress relaxation time (MSRT) of the gastrocnemius were blind-tested. RESULTS: The GIASTM group showed significant changes in all categories, while only MSRT changed significantly in the self-stretching group after intervention. A comparison of the two groups revealed significant differences in stiffness, elasticity, and MSRT (Time required for the muscle to recover after distortion after intervention in the GIASTM group. CONCLUSION: In this study, significant decreases in muscle tone and stiffness, as well as significant increases in elasticity, were observed in the gastrocnemius of the GIASTM group. On the other hand, sSelf-stretching showed significant differences in MSRT. Therefore, GIASTM is more effective in the recovery of the gastrocnemius muscle from fatigue than self-stretching. This study suggests that GIASTM can help prevent damage to the gastrocnemius in athletes and contribute to their training and rehabilitation programs.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.19-25
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of gastrocnemius stretching with talus-stabilizing taping on ankle dorsiflexion and subtalar joint pronation during walking. Methods: In total, 26 subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion were equally divided into two groups: a gastrocnemius stretching with talus-stabilizing taping group (13 subjects) and a gastrocnemius stretching group (13 subjects). They were assessed according to ankle dorsiflexion and subtalar joint pronation during walking before and after an intervention, which involved two types of gastrocnemius stretches performed three times a week for six weeks. Results: Ankle dorsiflexion was significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05), though the gastrocnemius stretching with talus-stabilizing taping group showed a significantly greater improvement in ankle dorsiflexion than the gastrocnemius stretching group (p<0.05). However, subtalar joint pronation showed no difference between the two groups before and after (p>0.05), also between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Gastrocnemius stretching with talus-stabilizing taping is a useful stretching exercise that improves ankle dorsiflexion during walking in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion movement.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.109-116
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study compared the effect of performing gastrocnemius stretching with and without the self-myofascial release of the sole on the active and passive ankle dorsiflexion angles and muscle tone of the gastrocnemius muscle in subjects with short gastrocnemius muscle. METHOD: A total of 23 subjects with short gastrocnemius muscles were included in this study. The study participants were divided into two experimental groups. Group A performed gastrocnemius muscle self-stretching exercises only, while group B performed self-myofascial release of the sole using a massage ball after the gastrocnemius muscle self-stretching exercises. For both groups, the active and passive ankle dorsiflexion angles were measured using a goniometer, and the tone of the gastrocnemius muscle was assessed using the MyotonPRO®. RESULTS: Within-group comparison showed that the participants in both groups A and B had significantly increased active and passive ankle dorsiflexion angles and decreased gastrocnemius muscle tone (p < .05) after performing their respective exercises. However, no significant differences in the said criteria were observed between groups A and B (p>.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that both methods were effective in increasing active and passive dorsiflexion angles and decreasing muscle tone. Thus, it is recommended to tailor gastrocnemius stretching exercises according to the patient's condition. If the patient does not experience discomfort in the plantar fasciae, it is recommended to perform the gastrocnemius stretching exercise only without myofascial release and use a massage ball afterward.

• 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.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.87-95
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of talus stability taping during gastrocnemius stretching on ankle passive dorsiflexion, talus posterior glide, and balance in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Fifteen subjects (eight males and seven females) with limited ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study. Ankle passive dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), talus posterior glide, and the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) were measured pre-stretching, after applying gastrocnemius stretching (GS), and after applying gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping (GSTST). The two types of stretching were performed at random. Results: Ankle passive dorsiflexion ROM was significantly increased by both types of stretching (p < 0.05), and ROM was significantly more increased post-GSTST than post-GS (p < 0.05). In addition, talus posterior glide was significantly increased post-GSTST than pre-stretching and post-GS (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between post-GS and pre-stretching (p > 0.05). YBT-LQ score was significantly increased post-GSTST than pre-stretching (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping is an effective method for subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion to improve ankle passive dorsiflexion, talus posterior gliding, and balance.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.223-231
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• 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in ankle muscle strength, range of motion (ROM) dorsiflexion, and gastrocnemius flexibility following gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Fifteen subjects (all males) with limited ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study for six weeks. Ankle muscle strength, ankle passive dorsiflexion ROM, and gastrocnemius flexibility were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength and passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM were significantly increased post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p < 0.05). Gastrocnemius flexibility was significantly improved post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping can be recommended for subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion to increase passive ankle dorsiflexion, flexibility, and ankle muscle strength.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.27-32
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of IASTM and static stretching techniques on ankle joint range of motion (ROM), static foot pressure. Methods: Twenty four subjects with gastrocnemius shortness participated in this study. The subjects were assigned randomly to one of two groups: The soft tissue mobilization technique (IASTM) group received intervention using a IASTM instrument for two minutes, and the stactic stretching group performed self stretching for 30 seconds, four times. The ROM of the ankle joint was measured by active ankle dorsi-flexion test, and a TPScan was utilized to collect the plantar foot pressure. This experiment was performed by two physical therapists. The significant level was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: The results were as follows: 1) The ROM of the ankle joint and was significantly increased in both groups. 2) Plantar foot pressure was no significant in both groups. 3) There were no significant differences between the IASTM group and static stretching group for any variable. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that static stretching is an effective and easy technique for restoring proper muscle length in subjects with gastrocnemius shortness. We recommend that static stretching technique be used for treat gastrocnemius shortness in clinical setting and home program.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.9
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• pp.278-286
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• 2009

The aims of this study were to determined whether excitability of the $\alpha$-motor neuron is modulated by stretching and this changes were associated with flexibility of the muscle. In this study, $\alpha$-motor neuron excitability was measured by using the Hmax/Mmax ratio of the gastrocnemius H-reflex, and muscle flexibility was measured with the range of motion of the ankle dorsiflexion. The gastrocnemii of 10 healthy volunteers were stretched for 4 minutes(2 minutes stretching, 1 minute rest, and 2 minutes stretching) in each session by manual force. The Hmax/Mmax ratio of the H-reflex, as well as the range of motion of the ankle dosiflexion was measured through four different conditions: before stretching, as soon as after $1^{st}$ stretching, as soon as after $2^{nd}$ stretching and at 48 hours after $2^{nd}$ stretching. Excitability of the $\alpha$-motor neuron was decreased significantly after $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ stretching(p<0.05). Furthermore, the range of the dorsiflexion was increased significantly after $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ stretching(p<0.05). However, the excitability of the $\alpha$-motor neuron and range of the dorsiflexion at 48 hours after $2^{nd}$ stretching were not different from those of before stretching. These results suggest that reduced $\alpha$-motor neuron excitability of the gastrocnemius and increased flexibility of the ankle dorsiflexion would be followed by activation of the type III mechanoreceptor which around the ankle joint and the Golgi tendon organ in the gastrocnemius.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.272-277
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of static stretching of the plantar flexor for 5 minutes on balance and ankle muscle activity when walking in young adults. Methods: This study experimented on 20 healthy college students without vestibular and musculoskeletal diseases. Subjects performed static stretching intervention of plantar flexor for 5 minutes on a stretch board set at 15° to 25° Balance was measured four times before intervention (pre), after intervention (post), 5 minutes after intervention (post 5 min), 10 minutes after intervention (post 10 min), and ankle muscle activity was measured during walking. For the analysis and post hoc analysis, one-way Repeated Measure ANOVA and Fisher's LSD (Last Significant Difference) was performed to find out the change in balance and the activity of ankle muscles before static stretching, pre, post, post 5 minutes rest, post 10 minutes rest. Results: There was no significant difference in weight distribution index (WDI) in balance, but stability index (ST) showed a significant difference, and there was also a significant difference in correlation pre, post, post 5min rest, post 10 minutes rest (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in ankle muscle activity during walking in Tibialis anterior (TA), Medial gastrocnemius (GM), and Lateral gastrocnemius (GL) (p>0.05). Conclusion: The stability index (ST) increased significantly immediately after static stretching and decreased after 5 minutes. After static stretching, at least 5 minutes of rest are required to restore balance.