Repetitive Dorsiflexion Exercises in Ankles have Effects on the Active Range of Flexion and Extension Motion through Lumbar, Cervical Spine and Ankle, Wrist Joints

족관절의 반복적 배측굴곡 운동이 요.경추와 족.수관절의 능동 굴신 가동범위에 미치는 영향

Background: This study was designed to analyze Repetitive dorsiflexion exercises in ankles have effects on the active range of flexion and extension motion through lumbar, cervical spine and ankle, wrist joints. Methods: 30 female college students in their twenties who frequently wear high heels participated the number of the experimental group was 15 persons and the number of the control group was 15 persons. They did exercise at the physical therapy room in M college, from the 8th of March to the 11th of April 2007. The experimental group had used the model of dorsiflexion repetitive exercise three times per week, for 4 weeks, but the control group did not exercise at all. In the sagittal plane active ROM of the these spine and joints were measured before and after the experiment using a digital goniometer. The results of two groups were compared and analyzed using paired T-test. Results: The active range of flexion and extension motion of the vertebra(especially lumbar flexion) and distal joints were significantly different in exercise group(p<.05). Conclusion: The model of repetitive dorsiflexion exercise of the ankle joint had positive effects on improving the active range of flexion and extension motion of the lumbar vertebra and distal joints of limbs. The results suggest that the repetitive dorsiflexion exercise is useful and also effective therapy for improving motion in women usually wearing high-heel.