The low common variance found between ankle ROM (Range of Motion)  measurements and the Performance- Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) balance subtest scores indicates to us that ankle ROM may be relatively less important in these activities. During the maneuvers of the POMA balance subtest, including sitting, standing, and standing with eyes closed, other factors may be more critical in influencing balance, but our study was correlational and interventions were outside the scope of this study.

Conclusion

We found that a relationship exists between ankle ROM and performance on balance tests in community-dwelling elderly women with no health problems. Ankle exercises directed at increasing ankle ROM may increase the effectiveness of clinical and community interventions designed for improving balance and reducing falls in elderly women. Our results can provide information to those developing interventions and investigating treatment efficacy because they suggest that interventions for increasing ankle ROM may have an influence on reducing falls in this population.