Tibialis Anterior Strength Exercise (Resisted Dorsiflexion)
Key notes
- Type of exercise: Isometric strength
- Muscles used: Tibialis Anterior, Extensor digitorum longus, Extensor hallucis longus
- Good for: Developing strength, reducing foot slap
- When to use during rehab: Early middle stages
Equipment options
If you’re doing this exercise in clinic, you’ll need an exercise bench or chair for your patient to sit on, as well as a weight plate. If the patient is doing this exercise at home, a rubber band can be used instead, so long as it has been anchored down to an object that won’t move.
Method 1
- Have the patient sit on the bench and thread their toes through one of the holes in the weight plate.
- Then have them dorsiflex their ankle against the weight. This should be a slow, controlled movement and take 2-4 seconds for them to lift the weight and another 2-4 seconds for them to bring it back down.
Method 2
- Have the patient sit on the bench and place a rubber band, that has been anchored down, around their foot.
- Next, have them pull their foot back against the band, ensuring their leg doesn’t move as they do so.
- While an exercise band is a good substitute, it’s always preferable to use a weight to do this exercise, as the resistance remains constant.
