Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion asymmetry does not influence landing forces during a bilateral drop-landing

Abstract

Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) has a reported relationship (r = -0.31) with peak vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) during landing activities, with higher peak vGRF produced among those with the greatest ROM deficit.2 The commonly reported inter-limb asymmetries in ankle dorsiflexion ROM among healthy populations5 and athletes3 are therefore, likely to influence the kinetic landing profile. However, the relationship between interlimb asymmetry in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and the loading strategy utilised during landings has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the relationship between asymmetries in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and kinetic variables associated with bilateral drop-landing performance