The effect of reduced ankle dorsiflexion on lower extremity mechanics during landing: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the evidence for effect of restricted ankle dorsiflexion range of motion on lower-extremity landing mechanics. DESIGN: Literature review. METHODS: Systematic search of the literature. Articles critiqued by two reviewers. RESULTS: Six studies were identified that investigated the effect of restricted DF ROM on landing mechanics. Overall, results suggest that landing mechanics are altered with restricted DF ROM, but studies disagree as to the particular mechanical variables affected. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that restricted dorsiflexion range of motion may alter lower-extremity landing mechanics in a manner, which predisposes athletes to injury. Interpretation of results was made difficult by the variation in landing tasks investigated and the lack studies investigating sport-specific landing tasks. The focus of studies on specific mechanical variables rather than mechanical patterns and the analysis of pooled data in the presence of different compensation strategies between participants also made interpretation difficult. These areas require further research.

The effect of ankle bracing on lower extremity biomechanics during landing: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the evidence for effect of ankle bracing on lower-extremity landing biomechanics. DESIGN: Literature review. METHODS: Systematic search of the literature on EBSCO health databases. Articles critiqued by two reviewers. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified which investigated the effect of ankle bracing on landing biomechanics. Overall results suggest that landing biomechanics are altered with some brace types but studies disagree as to the particular variables affected. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that ankle bracing may alter lower-extremity landing biomechanics in a manner which predisposes athletes to injury. The focus of studies on specific biomechanical variables rather than biomechanical patterns, analysis of pooled data means in the presence of differing landing styles between participants, variation in landing-tasks investigated in different studies, and lack of studies investigating goal-directed sport-specific landing tasks creates difficulty in interpreting results. These areas require further research.