Background: Increase of the ankle joint range of motion is a common physiotherapy goal. Measurement of the ankle joint dorsiflexion in weight bearing is more appropriate to assess functioning than measurement in non-weight-bearing positions. The purpose of the literature review was to establish which ankle joint dorsiflexion measurement procedures are the most reliable and might be recommended for clinical use. Methods: a literature review was conducted using database PubMed. Results: 14 studies investigating different measurement procedures of the ankle joint dorsiflexion motion, using a standard goniometer, bubble/digital inclinometer, smartphone application, and tape measure in healthy or injured subjects, were included. Moderate to very good intratester (ICC = 0.65−0.99) and good to very good intertester (ICC = 0.80−0.99) reliability was reported. Conclusions: Measurement of the ankle joint dorsiflexion in weight-bearing position is reliable and might replace the standard method in non-weight-bearing position, if there is no restriction for weight-bearing on the limb. For physiotherapy assessment with the knee flexed and/or extended, we recommend the use of bubble goniometer or smartphone application, applied on Achills’ tendon, and tape measurement for patient’s motivation.
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