Effect of Position on Ankle Dorsiflexor, Hallux Dorsiflexor and Plantar Flexor Muscle Strength: Are Ankle Dorsiflexor and Plantar Flexor Muscle Strengths Greater in the Standing Position Compared to the Supine Position?

Overview

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a difference in ankle dorsiflexor, hallux dorsiflexion and plantar flexor muscle strength measured in the supine position compared with the standing position. Muscle strength assessments are commonly performed in different body positions; however, the effect of weight-bearing and postural demands on ankle muscle strength measurements remains unclear. Understanding the influence of testing position may improve the standardization and clinical interpretation of muscle strength assessments.

Ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles play a crucial role in gait, balance, and postural control. Muscle strength measurements of these muscle groups are widely used in both clinical practice and research to evaluate functional capacity and rehabilitation outcomes. Traditionally, strength assessments are performed in non-weight-bearing positions such as supine; however, standing assessments may better reflect functional and postural demands due to the involvement of balance control and weight-bearing. In this study, ankle dorsiflexor, hallux dorsiflexion and plantar flexor muscle strength will be assessed in both supine and standing positions using standardized measurement procedures. Measurements will be performed under controlled conditions to minimize variability related to posture, stabilization, and examiner influence. The primary objective is to compare muscle strength values obtained in the two positions and to determine whether standing assessments yield significantly different results compared with supine assessments. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the optimization of clinical muscle strength evaluation protocols and to provide insight into the role of functional loading and postural control in ankle muscle strength measurements.