Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2025

Major

Exercise Science (B.S.)

Release Option

Open Access

Faculty Mentor

Samuel J Wilson

Abstract

Lower extremity injury screening is a common tool in soccer due to the changes of direction, jumping, landing, and cutting maneuvers players must exhibit. Talocrural dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), vertical jump (VJ) and unilateral hop tests are used to assess ankle and knee injury risk. Further, DFROM asymmetries may present a higher risk than reduced DFROM alone. It is unknown how DFROM asymmetries affect these tests. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between DFROM and hop and VJ performance, and to examine the differences between those with and without DFROM asymmetries. The current results suggest a positive relationship between DFROM and hop and jump performance, but no differences in those with asymmetries. This suggests that DFROM may be important for these tests but a battery for injury screening in soccer should include other assessments to account for potential asymmetry compensation in the lower extremity.

Thesis Summary

The results of this study revealed that while ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) asymmetry did not significantly change performance outcomes; however, greater overall DFROM was positively related with enhanced performance across several key metrics. Specifically, increased DFROM was linked with longer hop distances, greater vertical jump heights, and faster times in the 6-meter timed hop test. These findings support the theory that ankle mobility plays a crucial role in optimizing lower limb function during dynamic, sport-specific movements.

These findings align with prior research, such that of Francia et al. (2023), which demonstrated significant differences in ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion between athletes and non-athletes, suggesting that sport-specific demands can influence joint mobility. Additionally, Terada et al. (2013) previously noted the reduction in DFROM following lateral ankle sprains, noting the importance of maintaining the ankle mobility not only for performance but also for injury prevention and/or recovery.

The observed correlations between DFROM and performance metrics such as hop distance and vertical jump are also consistent with the work of Martine-Fuentes & vanden Tillaar (2022). This emphasized the importance of dorsiflexion for minimizing ground contact time and optimizing force production during jumping/running. Similarly, the important relationships found between DFROM and unilateral performance measures emphasizes the relevance of ankle mobility for balance and/or stability, which are key components in soccer mechanics as single-leg actions are frequent.

Although DFROM asymmetry (defined as ≥2cm difference) did not show a statistically drastic effect on performance, the directional trends of the data suggest that even minor differences in range of motion could possibly have biomechanical implications. This may reflect corrective patterns that are not fully shown through gross performances metrics but could accumulate over time to increase injury risk or limit technical execution.

Overall, these findings reinforce the multifactorial nature of soccer performance and emphasize the essential role of the ankle joint in both the generation of power and the controlling of movements. Given the physical demands of soccer, such as sprinting, jumping, cutting, rapid directional changes, etc., ensuring optimal dorsiflexion range of motion may enhance athletic output and can reduce the possibility of lower limb injuries.

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