Differences in Ankle Joint Complex Range of Motion as a Function of Age

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether gender- and age-related differences in ankle joint complex (AJC) range of motion (ROM) exist in children (range 9–13 years), adolescents (14–16 years), and young adults (17–20 years), and to compare these data with those published for older subjects (21–79 years) using the same protocol. ¹⁵ A total of 120 subjects (58 males and 62 females) ranging in age from 9 to 20 years were tested for AJC ROM using a specifically designed 6° of freedom fixture. ¹ All measurements were made with respect to a laboratory coordinate system, and represented assessment of active AJC ROM. Angular displacements for plan-tarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion, abduction, and adduction were digitally recorded and compared. AJC ROMs of females aged 9 to 20 years were generally greater than those for males about all three orthogonal axes. Within each gender, there was a consistent trend for AJC ROM to decrease from a maximum at 14 to 16 or 17 to 20 years to a minimum after age 60 years. The average decrement was greater for females than for males. This study provided evidence to support the contention that age-related and gender differences in AJC ROM do exist. The possibility of minimizing the decline in AJC ROM with age requires further investigation.