Hello Biomech subscribers-
I am a physical therapist and a PhD student in the early stages of my
dissertation process and I was hoping to get some views on what happens
proximally in the lower extremity when there is age related dorsiflexion
loss at the ankle. Specifically, how do joint moments change around the
knee and hip and what compensatory mechanisms will show up on a kinematic
analysis at the trunk, hip and knee? I am specifically interested in tasks
like stair ascension, sit to stand and incline walking. I would imagine that
the moments would greatly increase around both the hip and knee. Does
anyone have any theories about what may occur as a result of this loss of
dorsiflexion during these activities and how older adults compensate for
that loss? If anyone is familiar with any studies speaking to these topics
it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time in advance.
Professionally,
Rich Ferraro, PT