Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(3): 205-210
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268505
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Calf Stretching in Non-Weight Bearing Versus Weight Bearing

N. V. Dinh1 , H. Freeman1 , J. Granger1 , S. Wong1 , M. Johanson1
  • 1Emory University, Rehabilitation Medicine, Atlanta, United States
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision November 08, 2010

Publication Date:
22 December 2010 (online)

Abstract

Limited ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion (DF PROM) has been associated with lower extremity overuse injuries. Therefore, clinicians often prescribe stretching exercises to increase ankle DF PROM. However, there is limited evidence to indicate if any particular gastrocnemius stretching exercise results in greater improvement in DF PROM. The aim of this study was to determine if gastrocnemius stretching in non-weight bearing (NWB) or weight bearing (WB) results in a greater increase of ankle DF PROM. 28 healthy volunteers, aged 18–55 years, who exhibited less than 10 degrees of ankle DF PROM completed the study. Participants were randomized into 2 stretching groups: NWB and WB. Both groups completed a 3-week home gastrocnemius stretching program, consisting of 5 repetitions held for 30 s each, 2 times daily. Participants’ ankle DF PROM was measured with a blinded standard goniometer in NWB and WB positions before and after participation in a 3-week home gastrocnemius stretching program. Two 3-way mixed model ANOVAs demonstrated no significant difference in ankle DF PROM between the NWB and WB groups for either the NWB measurement condition (p=0.49) or WB measurement condition (p=0.86). Gastrocnemius stretching exercises performed in NWB or WB were equally effective in increasing ankle DF PROM.

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Correspondence

Dr. Marie Johanson

Emory University

Rehabilitation Medicine

1462 Clifton Road

Suite #312

30322 Atlanta

United States

Phone: +1/404/727 6581

Fax: +1/404/712 4130

Email: majohan@emory.edu