J Korean Phys Ther.  2020 Aug;32(4):233-237. 10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.4.233.

Comparison of the Electromyographic Activity of the Tibialis Anterior and Isometric Dorsiflexor Strength during Dorsiflexion According to Toe Postures in Individuals with Ankle Dorsiflexor Weakness

• Jeon IC

• KMID: 2520075
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.4.233

Abstract

Purpose
This study compared the electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior (TA) and isometric dorsiflexor strength during dorsiflexion according to the toe postures in individuals with ankle dorsiflexor weakness.
Methods
Twenty subjects with ankle dorsiflexor weakness participated in this study. The electromyographic activity of the TA and isometric dorsiflexor strength during dorsiflexion between with toe flexion, extension, and neutral postures were measured using an electromyography device and a hand-held dynamometer in individuals with ankle dorsiflexor weakness. One-way repeated measured analysis of variance, and a Bonferroni post hoc test was used. The level of statistical significance was set to α=0.01.
Results
The electromyographic activity of the TA was greater with toe flexion during dorsiflexion than with toe extension and neutral postures (p<0.01). The isometric dorsiflexor strength was smaller with toe flexion during dorsiflexion than with toe extension and neutral postures (p<0.01).
Conclusions
In individuals with ankle dorsiflexor weakness, the dorsiflexion with toe flexion can help improve the TA electromyographic activity. The toe posture during dorsiflexion for selective TA activation should be considered, especially in individuals with ankle dorsiflexor weakness.

Keyword

Dorsiflexor weakness; Tibialis anterior; Toe postures; Isometric dorsiflexor strength.