Is the weight-bearing lunge test a better tool for assessing ankle mobility in chronic venous insufficiency? A reliability and validity study

Abstract

Objectives

Patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) often present with limited mobility, which can lead to pain, edema, and reduced ankle range of motion (ROM). The aim of the present study was to compare the inter-rater reliability and construct validity of the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) and traditional goniometry in assessing ankle dorsiflexion ROM in individuals with CVI.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 patients with CVI (66 ± 11 years; CEAP 1 to 6). Ankle dorsiflexion was assessed by two independent evaluators using goniometry and the WBLT. Functional performance was evaluated using the 5-repetition Sit-to-Stand Test (STS5) for strength, the 60-s Sit-to-Stand Test (STS60) for endurance, the Heel Rise Test (HRT) for calf muscle endurance, the Human Activity Profile (HAP) for activity level, and calf circumference. Inter-examiner reliability was determined using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and validity was assessed through correlations between WBLT, goniometry, and functional variables.

Results

Goniometry demonstrated good inter-examiner reliability (ICC = 0.77), while WBLT showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.98). WBLT correlated significantly with goniometry (r = −0.320; p = .020), HAP (r = 0.563), HRT (r = 0.378), STS5 (r = −0.605), and STS60 (r = 0.550) (all p < .001), whereas goniometry did not correlate with any functional outcomes.

Conclusions

The WBLT demonstrated superior inter-examiner reliability and more substantial validity compared to goniometry, supporting its use as a reliable and clinically relevant tool for assessing dorsiflexion ROM in patients with CVI.