Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: February | Volume: 12 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 71-75
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20220209
Normative Data for Calf Muscle Flexibility Tested by Weight Bearing Lunge Test in Age Group of 20-30 Years- Pilot Study
Riddhi Gohil1, Prajakta Tilaye2
1Intern, K.J Somaiya College of Physiotherapy, Sion, Mumbai-400022
2Assistant Professor, K.J Somaiya College of Physiotherapy, Sion, Mumbai-400022
Corresponding Author: Riddhi Gohil
ABSTRACT
Background: Calf muscle is important in the typical gait cycle, jumping, running, and maintaining balance. Tightness limits movement, which can result in injuries or a reduction in task efficiency. Calf muscles flexibility is therefore crucial. No normative range is available for calf muscle flexibility in its functional position. As a result, the goal of this study is to provide normative data using weight bearing lunge test that evaluates tightness in functional position. Results of males and females were compared.
Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted on 215 people aged 20 to 30 years (males=100, females=115). Each participant completed a weight-bearing lunge test after giving consent. For each limb, three trials were given, with the best of the three findings used to analyze the data. Using descriptive analysis, a normative range was produced for both limbs of each gender. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the normative ranges.
Results: Females’ normative ranges are 12.1–13.4 cm and 12.7–13.9 cm with a mean and standard deviation of 12.7 ± 3.3 and 13.3 ± 3.4 for the right and left limb respectively. Males' typical ranges are 13.6cm to14.9 cm and 13.9cm to 14.9 cm with a mean and standard deviation of 14.2 ± 3 and 14.4 ± 2.7 for right and left limb respectively. Male and female normative ranges were found to differ significantly: right (p=0.0068) and left (p=0.0331).
Conclusion: Our findings give normative data for calf muscle flexibility in both genders, as well as a comparison of these findings.
Key words: weight bearing lunge test, calf muscle, flexibility, normative range, functional position.