In MMT for Ankle Dorsiflexion in Anti-Gravity, what is the direction of the resistance?

• A. Downward on the plantar surface of the foot
• B. Downward on the dorsal aspect of the foot
• C. Upward on the dorsal aspect of the foot
• D. Lateral pressure on the dorsum of the foot

Answer: (B)

In this MMT, you’re testing ankle dorsiflexion, which is performed by the tibialis anterior pulling the top of the foot upward toward the shin. To reveal how strong those dorsiflexors are, you apply resistance opposite the movement. Since dorsiflexion moves the dorsum of the foot upward, you resist by pressing downward on the dorsal (top) surface of the foot. This creates a plantarflexion force that the dorsiflexors must overcome, revealing their strength. Pushing downward on the plantar surface would target plantarflexors, and applying upward or lateral pressure on the dorsum would either assist the movement or test a different vector, not the primary dorsiflexion action.