Abstract
The ankle range of motion (ROM) limitation increases fall risk. High reliability methods for the ankle ROM measurements require specific instrumentation or the weightbearing position-often problematic in older patients. This study tested the reliability of a new approach to measuring the ankle ROM in the supine position. In total, 256 measurements were performed on older inpatients with orthopedic problems. Intra- and interrater reliability were high for dorsiflexion (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.899-0.967) and moderate to high for plantar flexion measurements (ICC: 0.662-0.956). Our approach allows for precise measurement of the ankle ROM and could be useful in evaluation of the fall risk and rehabilitation progress in older patients.