Differences in ankle joint complex range of motion as a function of age.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational and comparative study evaluating joint biomechanics across age cohorts.
PubMed 8359768 · doi:10.1177/107110079301400407
What was done
Active ankle joint complex (AJC) range of motion (ROM) was evaluated in 120 participants aged 9 to 20 years (58 males, 62 females), divided into children (9–13 years), adolescents (14–16 years), and young adults (17–20 years). Measurements were collected across three orthogonal axes (plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion, abduction, and adduction) using a 6-degrees-of-freedom apparatus and a standardized laboratory coordinate system. Results were compared across age groups and sex, as well as against historical data from older subjects (21–79 years) tested using the same protocol.
What was found
Females aged 9 to 20 years generally displayed greater AJC ROM than males across all three planes. For both sexes, AJC ROM peaked between 14–16 or 17–20 years and consistently declined to a minimum after age 60. The overall average age-related decrease in ROM was larger in females than in males. The abstract does not report exact numerical values, standard deviations, or p-values.
Why it matters
These findings provide normative kinematic baseline data showing that active ankle mobility naturally declines from young adulthood into older age and varies by sex, which informs orthopedic and physical therapy assessments.
Limits
The abstract lacks quantitative estimates, variance metrics, and significance levels. Older cohort data (21–79 years) were historical rather than concurrently collected. The cross-sectional design cannot track intra-individual longitudinal changes over time.
Cited by
- supports Human joint range of motion naturally decreases as people age.