Objective: The purpose of this observational study was to examine whether limited ankle dorsiflexion (LAD) affects the kinematic parameters of the lower limb joints and trunk during a bilateral squat.
Methods: Forty-four physically active and non-injured participants, with limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) < 30° (n = 18) and without limitations, DF > 35° (n = 26) during the weight-bearing lunge test, were recruited. The angles and ranges of motion (ROM) of lower limb joints, pelvis and spine were recorded using a 3D motion capture system.
Results: Participants with LAD had a greater pelvis ROM in the sagittal plane (P = .001), a greater hip and lumbar spine flexion ROM (P = .002; P = .01, respectively) and a greater trunk forward lean (P < .001) during squatting compared to the control group. In the LAD group, ankle DF during squatting correlated with trunk lean (r = -0.49, P = .04), while in the control group, it correlated with spine mobility (r = 0.44, P = .03).
Conclusions: The findings suggest that the pelvis and trunk forward lean have a regulatory role in response to LAD during squatting.
Author keywords: Ankle; Exercise; Lower extremity; Torso.
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