Table 1

Description of specific exercises.

Name

Description

Dosage

Increments

Ankle range of motion

Sitting with leg extended. Rotate foot in clockwise direction then anti-clockwise

1 × 10 repetitions for each foot in each direction

None

Ankle dorsiflexion strength

Sitting, hip and ankle at 90°. Dorsiflex both feet to end range of motion and hold.

Hold feet in dorsiflexion for 3 × 10 seconds

Increase repetitions up to maximum of 10

Ankle inversion strength

Sitting, hip and ankle at 90°. Invert foot against resistive exercise band anchored by chair leg

3 × 10 repetitions for each foot

Increase resistance strength of resistive exercise band

Ankle eversion strength

Sitting, hip and ankle at 90°. Evert foot against resistive exercise band anchored by chair leg

3 × 10 repetitions for each foot

Increase resistance strength of resistive exercise band

Ankle plantarflexion strength

From standing, rise up on to toes of both feet and back down

3 × 10 repetitions

Increase repetitions up to maximum of 50.

Gastrocnemius stretch

Standing stretch leaning against wall. Stretch leg is extended with knee locked. Support leg forward with knee bent

Hold stretch for 3 × 20 seconds on each leg

Increase forward lean to increase stretch as required

Toe plantarflexion strength

Heel on plate of Archxerciser™. Toes over spring loaded toebar. Retract bar

3 × 10 repetitions for each foot

Increase distance bar is retracted

Toe plantarflexion strength

Pick up 25 mm stones and place in box.

Pick up 2 × 20 stones for each foot.

None

Adductor hallucis stretch

Elastic band around both hallux. Move feet apart

3 × 20 seconds

None

All exercises to be performed 3 times a week for 6 months from baseline to follow up assessment.

Spink et al. BMC Geriatrics 2008 8:30   doi:10.1186/1471-2318-8-30