The Influence of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion on Unanticipated Cutting Kinematics

Purpose: Explore whether dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) influences cutting kinematics. Methods: Dorsiflexion ROM was measured in 42 individuals using the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT). Unanticipated cutting kinematics were collected at initial contact (IC) and between IC and maximum knee flexion using three-dimensional motion and inertial measurement unit methods. Multiple linear regressions with sex as a confounder were used to explore the relationship between kinematic variables and WBLT dorsiflexion ROM for both legs. Results: WBLT dorsiflexion ROM values were 51.33 ± 6.48° and 50.21 ± 7.00° on dominant and non-dominant legs, respectively. For dominant leg cutting, transverse plane knee ROM increased 0.20° (p = 0.037), sagittal plane trunk ROM increased 0.16° (p = 0.044), and trunk flexion at IC decreased 0.39° (p = 0.009) for each degree of WBLT dorsiflexion ROM measured. Males had 5.89° greater trunk flexion at IC than females. For non-dominant leg cutting, peak lateral trunk flexion towards the stance leg, and sagittal and coronal plane hip ROM increased 0.36° (p = 0.039), 0.24° (p = 0.017), and 0.21° (p = 0.005) for each degree of dorsiflexion ROM, respectively. Conclusions: Dorsiflexion ROM influence cutting kinematics and may contribute to ACL injury