Dorsiflexion

Dorsiflexion: A sagittal plane joint action of the ankle that results in a decrease in the angle between the dorsal (top) surface of the foot and the tibia.

• Opposing Joint Action: Plantar flexion
• Plane of Motion: Sagittal
• Direction Bias: Up
• Note: Joint actions may be referred to as "osteokinematic motions" or "osteokinematic joint actions" to differentiate them from "arthrokinematic motions " (e.g., spin, glide, roll, compression, and distraction).

For more (including a video lecture), check out:

• Lesson 16: Ankle Joint Actions and Muscles

Joints that Perform Dorsiflexion (and Sample Exercises):

1. Ankle joint (Talocrural joint) : Dorsiflexion is a specific form of flexion at the ankle, where the foot moves up toward the shin, as observed during tibialis anterior activation or dorsiflexion goniometry .