On Geographical Variations in the Normal Range of Joint Motion

Fifty Saudi Arabian men 30 to 40 years of age without present or previous history of injury or disease related to the lower extremities were randomly selected for measurement of the range of motion in the basic planes of hip, knee, and ankle joint. The results were compared to a similar study from Scandinavia. There was a highly significant difference in external rotation of the hip, flexion of the knee, and dorsiflexion of the ankle. Cultural differences in the activities of daily life are suggested to explain the differences in the range of motion.