Which mobility restriction is linked with knee valgus during dynamic movement patterns?

• A. Ankle dorsiflexion restriction
• B. Limited hip mobility
• C. Thoracic rigidity
• D. Lumbar stiffness

Answer: (A)

Limitation in ankle dorsiflexion disrupts how the foot absorbs the ground and allows the shin to move forward over the foot during dynamic tasks like landing or cutting. When ankle dorsiflexion is restricted, the body compensates by changing tibial rotation and knee alignment, often leading the knee to collapse inward (dynamic knee valgus) to achieve forward progression and stability under load. This direct link—restricted ankle dorsiflexion causing compensatory knee valgus—is why it’s the best explanation for knee valgus during dynamic movement. While limited hip mobility, thoracic stiffness, or lumbar stiffness can influence movement patterns, they do not as consistently drive the valgus pattern as inadequate ankle dorsiflexion.