Assessment of Functional End Ranges of Lower Limb Joints in Positions Commonly Used for ADLs in India

Background: In many countries of Asian continent, floor sitting is preferred instead of chair supported sitting. Indian population differs noticeably in its cultural practice and daily tasks which involves squatting and cross-legged sitting on the ground. Squatting is a multiple joint movements performed closed kinetically. Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the functional end-ranges of the hip, knee and ankle joints in healthy Indian subjects in positions commonly used for ADLs in India which includes squatting and cross-legged sitting. Methods: 66 healthy subjects were recruited from rural and urban populations with age range 30- 50 years. Joint ROM of the lower extremities was measured using Universal Goniometer. All the subjects were asked to acquire squat and cross legged positions which were graded. Results: Our results finding showed that the subjects in cross leg sitting grade 2 (independent CLS) had hip flexion ranges \(\ge\)115\(^{\circ}\), hip abduction \(\ge\) 41\(^{\circ}\), hip external rotation \(\ge\) 42\(^{\circ}\), ankle plantar flexion \(\ge\) 46\(^{\circ}\) p 0.005, Knee flexion \(\ge\)120\(^{\circ}\), p>0.005 and ankle dorsiflexion \(\ge\)15\(^{\circ}\), p<0.005. Conclusion: From the results, it is suggested that squatting and cross-leg sitting multiple times a day can prevent the early closer of end ranges of the lower limbs. It is important to acknowledge reasons for limitations in ranges, as this is significant for clinical application. By recognizing such reasons one can gain deep understanding to pilot future studies.