Knee to Wall Test
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Original Editor - Wanda van Niekerk
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Purpose[edit | edit source]
The Weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) or Dorsiflexion Lunge Test (DFT) is used to assess the dorsiflexion range of movement (DROM) at the ankle joint. (ref Powden et al; Konor et al Dennis et al)
Technique[edit | edit source]
This test needs to be done against a wall. A standard tape measure (cm) is necessary. Participants are asked to place their foot in such a way that a imaginary line drawn through the heel and big toe are aligned on the tape measure on the floor. Furthermore, a vertical line is drawn on the wall in line with the tape measure. Participants are instructed to lunge forward until their knee touches the wall (vertical line). The heel is required to remain in contact with the floor at all times. The foot is moved away from the wall to the point where the knee can only make slight contact with the wall, while the heel remains in contact with the floor. This puts the ankle joint in maximal dorsiflexion. The leg not being tested can rest on the the floor and participants are allowed to hold onto the wall for support. The maximum distance from the wall to the tip of the big toe is recorded. The distance is measured in centimeters (cm) with each centimeter corresponding to approximately 3.6° of ankle dorsiflexion (ref 1 Bennell)
Evidence[edit | edit source]
The inter-rater reliability for the distance measured for the weight bearing lunge test is was R = 0.99 (95% CL: 0.97 - 0.99) (REF 3) The intra-rater reliability for the measurement was also excellent (ICC between 0.98 - 0.99) (ref 3)Bennell Dennis et al Furthermore, a recent systematic review on the reliability of the of the weight bearing lunge test (ref pOWELL) reported that there was strong evidence that inter-rater (clinician) reliability (ICC = 0.80 - 0.99) as well as intra-rater (clinician) reliability (ICC = 0.65 - 0,99) of the weight-bearing lunge test is good.(Powell) It was suggested that the weight-bearing lunge test is a reliable method of assessing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion as it provides consistent results and demonstrates reasonable responsiveness.(Powell)
Resources[edit | edit source]
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