Execution
- 1Position the patient supine or long sitting with the leg supported and the ankle relaxed.
- 2Passively move the ankle into dorsiflexion and plantarflexion while stabilizing the lower leg.
- 3Passively assess subtalar inversion and eversion and midfoot/forefoot mobility as needed.
- 4Passively flex and extend the toes, including first MTP extension when push-off or plantar fascia symptoms are relevant.
- 5Record pain, range, end feel, capsular restriction, and side-to-side difference.
Positive outcome
Abnormal findings: painful end range, reduced passive range, abnormal end feel, or asymmetry.
Expected end-feels- Dorsiflexion ~20°
- Plantarflexion ~50°
- Subtalar inversion ~20°
- Subtalar eversion ~10°
- Subtalar restriction judged by inversion/eversion loss and end feel
Ankle capsular pattern: plantarflexion more limited than dorsiflexion. Measurement reliability varies with landmarking, subtalar neutral positioning, and whether motion is measured in weight bearing, so treat PROM as an impairment measure, not a pathology-specific test.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin & McPoil (2005) | literature review | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentPROM helps separate active control or contractile pain from joint, capsular, tendon, and soft-tissue restriction. Measurement reliability varies with landmarking, subtalar neutral positioning, and whether the motion is measured in weight bearing. Treat PROM as an impairment measure rather than a pathology-specific diagnostic test.
Low Clinical Value