In the agonist contract-relax group, participants were positioned in a supine position. A trained physiotherapist then passively dorsiflexed the ankle to its maximum available range and held it for 15 seconds, while ensuring that the knee remained straight by placing a hand on it. Following this, participants were instructed to perform a maximal voluntary isometric

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contraction of the planter flexors for five seconds, while maintaining the stretched position.

After a 30-second rest period, the physiotherapist returned the ankle to the starting position of 0 degrees and repeat the procedure without any rest. This stretching protocol was repeated four times, with each repetition lasting 2 minutes. For the soleus muscles, the same procedure was performed, but with a slightly flexed initial position of the knee.

In the antagonist stretching groups, participants were positioned in a supine position. A trained physiotherapist stretched the antagonist's muscle, and then participants were instructed to perform a maximal voluntary isometric contraction of dorsiflexion for 5 seconds while maintaining a stretched position. The knee was kept straight during this contraction.

Following the contraction, the physiotherapist held the ankle at that angle for another 10 seconds by placing a hand on it. After a 30-second rest period, the physiotherapist returned the ankle to the starting position of 0 degrees and repeat the procedure without any rest intervals.

Both groups received routine physical therapy, which encompasses various components such as electrotherapy, strength training for both lower and upper limbs, gait training, and occupational therapy.

The assessment involves extending the limb of the parent from a state of utmost flexion to utmost extension, identifying the point at which initial mild resistance was encountered. Following that, the modified Ashworth Scale is employed while transitioning the limb from extension to flexion. Interrater reliability studies utilizing the MAS have yielded varied results, ranging from moderate to good.

The universal goniometer (UG) is a widely employed tool for assessing range of motion.Range of motion refers to the complete extent of movement possible at a specific joint. In a normal ankle, the range of motion typically spans from around 20ºof dorsiflexion to 50º of plantar flexion. For normal walking, a combined motion of approximately 24º to 30º (including both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion) is required.