Which ankle control allows motion to be restricted in one or both directions?

• A. Free motion
• B. Solid ankle
• C. Limited motion
• D. Ankle brace with stops

Answer: (C)

Restricting movement to a safe, prescribed range is the idea here. When you want the ankle to move only within a limited arc, you’re using limited-motion control. This allows some motion in one or more directions (for example, restricting excessive dorsiflexion or plantarflexion, or limiting inversion/eversion) while preventing movement beyond the set limits.

Free motion would let the ankle move freely in all directions, which isn’t about restriction. A solid ankle would stop motion entirely in all directions, which is more than just restricting to a range. An ankle brace with stops can enforce limits in specific directions, but the general concept described is limited motion—the intentional, controlled restriction to a safe range.