How is strength in foot dorsiflexion evaluated?

• A. By having the patient push against resistance
• B. By having the patient pull their toes towards their shin against resistance
• C. By measuring the angle of dorsiflexion
• D. By assessing the endurance of the muscle

Answer: (B)

Evaluating strength in foot dorsiflexion is primarily accomplished by having the patient pull their toes towards their shin against resistance. This specific action targets the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion, mainly the tibialis anterior. By applying resistance during this movement, the healthcare provider can assess both the strength of the muscles involved and the patient's ability to perform the action against that resistance.

Pulling the toes towards the shin directly engages the relevant muscle groups, offering insight into their strength and functionality. The presence of resistance further provides a clearer evaluation of the patient's strength levels, which can indicate any potential muscle weakness or neurological issues affecting the dorsiflexion capability.

Other methods mentioned, such as measuring the angle of dorsiflexion or assessing endurance, do not specifically test strength in the same way. Measuring angles evaluates range of motion, while endurance assessments focus on how long a muscle can sustain a contraction rather than the actual strength of the contraction at a given moment. Therefore, option B effectively encapsulates the process of evaluating foot dorsiflexion strength through direct muscle engagement against resistance.