The comparison of effectiveness of functional and extra-functional stretching of gastrocnemius-soleus complex on selected kinematic and kinetic gait variables of ankle joint

In order to reduce the pathological effects of limited ankle dorsiflexion, stretching exercises are prescribed. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of functional and extra-functional stretching of gastrocnemius-soleus complex on selected kinematic and kinetic gait variables of ankle joint. This study was carried out on 10 professional athletes which suffered from gastrocnemius soleus muscle shortness as a functional training group and ten athletes with gastrocnemius soleus shortness as extra-functional group based on the criteria of entry and exit. The amount of kinematics and kinematic values determined by Vicon and Kistler system. Comparison of within group were done by paired t test and between groups done by Ancova. Comparison of pre and post test showed that the average ankle dorsiflexion, stance time and time to heel off in functional group increased significantly during stance phase of gait. Also, pronation time decreased significantly in functional group. The impact ground reaction force and time to peak of this force increased significantly in extra-functional group. Finally, differences between the groups showed that, time to heel off, pronation and dorsiflexion angle of functional group compare to extra-functional group was significantly different. Increased heel strike pattern provides increase in dorsiflexion range of motion, time to heel off during stance phase of gait cycle. Therefore, when an increase in ankle dorsiflexion or time to heel off during stance phase of ambulation is a clinical goal, increased heel strike pattern maybe is usefulness.