This investigation was undertaken to determine if limited range of motion (ROM) of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint predisposes an athlete to turf to injury and if turf toe injury leads to reduced range of motion. Factors such as post-injuty ROM, incidence of previous injury, prophylactic orthotic-ware, showear, player position, and playing weight were examined in raltion to the incidence of turf toe injury.

Subjects consited of 119 Rice University Football players tested between the Fall, 1986 and Spring, 1989. Subjects completed a questionnaire to provide all information being investigated expect ROM which the investigator measure using a goniometer.

Results of the investigation indicate that ROM prior to turf toe could not predict turf toe injury. Post-injury dorsiflexion (DF) and total range of motions (TROM), however, were significantly reduced compred to average values for uninjured subjects. Prior injury significantly increased the change of subsequent turf toe injury. Reinforced forefoot shoes reduced the change of tur toe while player position and playing weight had no effect on turf toe injury incidence. Results of thei study indicate that one turf toe injury predisposes the athlete to a second turf toe injury, and DF and TROM in injured subjects are significantly lower compared to uninjured subjects. Further investigation is ncessary to definitely determine the relationship between ROM and turf toe injury.