Dorsiflexion
0-20
• Patient Position:
• Supine at edge of bed
1 hip neutral, knee extended, heel off the end of the table
2 knee supported in approximately 30 degrees flexion, heel off the end of the table (patient will need to scoot down on table slightly from position 1 to keep heel off table.)
• Norkin and White show the patient positioned in sitting which puts both the gastrocnemius and more of the soleus on slack, either of the three positions is fine to perform but be able to justify what could be limiting the motion.
• Normal End Feel: Firm (due to tension on the posterior aspect
Goniometer-Dorsiflexion
- Use Small Universal
- Fulcrum/ Axis: centered over lateral midpoint or apex of the lateral malleolus
- Stationary Arm: lateral midline of the fibula using the lateral midpoint of the fibular head for reference
- Moving Arm: parallel to lateral midline of the 5th metatarsal (not the lateral border of the plantar surface of the foot)
Plantar Flexion
0-50
• Patient position, goniometer and goniometer alignment are the same as for dorsiflexion
• Normal End Feel: Firm (due to tension on the anterior/dorsal aspect)
For Dorsi/Plantar Flexion
** Remember: When measuring for dorsiflexion and plantar flexion you must confirm that 0 degrees or neutral (midway between the motions) is available before taking the measurement
