The Weight Bearing Lunge Test or Wall Test | Ankle Mobility

Summary

The video discusses the weight-bearing lunge test, also known as the wall test, used to assess ankle dorsiflexion restriction or stiffness. The test evaluates the range of ankle motion using either an inclinometer or a tape measure, with 12.5 cm considered the normal range. Limited dorsiflexion can contribute to conditions like patellofemoral pain and plantar fasciitis. The demonstration shows how to measure the distance between the wall and the toe while keeping the foot flat, noting that a change of 1.9 cm indicates progress. Strategies for improving mobility, including mobilizations and stretching, are also suggested.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The video discusses the weightbearing lunge test, also known as the wall test, for assessing ankle dorsiflexion restriction.
• 📏 The test can be used to continuously assess the degree of dorsiflexion, with several techniques described in literature.
• 📊 A review by Poin et al. in 2015 found no significant differences in reliability between different measurement techniques.
• 🤔 Limited ankle dorsiflexion is a contributing factor in several orthopedic conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome and plantar fasciitis.
• 📏 A wall distance of 5 inches (12.5 cm) is considered the normal range of motion for ankle dorsiflexion.
• 👣 The patient should attempt to touch the wall with their knee while keeping the foot flat on the ground during the test.
• 📏 The wall distance technique involves using a tape measure to measure the distance between the wall and the big toe.
• 🔍 If an anterior pinching sensation is felt, the limitation might be within the joint itself, suggesting joint mobilizations could help.
• 💪 If soft tissue is the cause, stretching or foam rolling the calf might improve mobility.
• 📈 A change of 1.9 cm is necessary to indicate a real change in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, beyond measurement error.
• 👍 The video encourages viewers to like, engage, and subscribe for more content on ankle assessments and related topics.

Q & A

What is the weightbearing lunge test used for?

The weightbearing lunge test is used to assess ankle dorsiflexion restriction or stiffness.

What tools can be used to measure dorsiflexion during the lunge test?

An inclinometer or tape measure can be used to assess the degree of dorsiflexion during the lunge test.

Are there any differences in reliability between the various techniques for measuring dorsiflexion?

A review by Poin et al. (2015) reports no significant differences in reliability between the different measurement techniques for assessing dorsiflexion.

What orthopedic conditions are associated with limited ankle dorsiflexion?

Limited ankle dorsiflexion is associated with conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, overpronation, and possibly plantar fasciitis.

What is considered a normal range of motion for the ankle during the wall distance test?

A wall distance of 5 inches (12.5 cm) is considered normal range of motion for ankle dorsiflexion.

How is the wall distance technique performed?

The patient should try to touch the wall with their knee while keeping the foot flat on the ground, and the distance between the wall and the big toe is measured. The distance is increased as long as the patient can maintain contact with the wall while keeping the foot flat.

What might an anterior pinching sensation during the test indicate?

An anterior pinching sensation during the test likely indicates that the limitation lies within the joint itself, and joint mobilizations may help.

How can soft tissue contribute to limited dorsiflexion, and what can be done to improve mobility?

Soft tissue, such as tightness in the calf, may contribute to limited dorsiflexion. Stretching or foam rolling the calf can help improve mobility.

What is the minimum change in measurement needed to indicate improvement in dorsiflexion?

A change of 1.9 cm is necessary to indicate a measurable improvement in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

What other ankle-related content does the video recommend?

The video suggests checking out additional videos on ankle joint play or other content from the ankle assessment playlist.