Ankle joint dorsiflexion assessment: The development of a new weight-bearing method

摘要

Clinical methods of assessing ankle joint dorsiflexion have been found to be unreliable and consequently their validity is being questioned by recent research. There is a need for a standard system that assesses ankle joint dorsiflexion that is reliable and applicable within a clinical setting. The purpose of the study was to develop a new method of measuring ankle joint dorsiflexion. This employed a weight-bearing procedure and the design and manufacture of a new jig apparatus called the Aitkenhead Talocrural Assessment Mechanism (ATAM). The ATAM incorporated an electromechanical heel raise identification switch, a leg lever goniometer with calibration dial, knee brace and strict measurement procedure. The reliability of the ATAM was investigated by conducting a triphasic study that included a pilot study, intratester study and intertester study. Statistical analysis using Cronbach's a for internal reliability revealed a values of 0.88 for the pilot study, 0.96 for intratester reliability and 0.96 for intertester reliability. The highly reliable a value has been achieved by the elimination and reduction of errors associated with dorsiflexion measurement. The results suggest the system could be of clinical value when repeated measurements are required to assess treatment outcomes and therapy progress.