As the hip is extended, the leg is flexed at the knee. The cycle then repeats itself. Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion occur throughout the cycle. The ankle is in a position of dorsiflexion when the hip is in neutral and the leg is extended at the knee. Plantarflexion is assumed as the hips is extended and the leg flexed.
Dorsiflexion is reassumed as the hip is flexed and the leg extended.
Underwater viewing has shown us that inversion and eversion will accompany dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, as it does with land-based running. Runners and athletes can be encouraged by scientific evidence that has demonstrated that deep water running results in a sufficient training response in order to affect fitness improvement. This has been further documented by studies that have shown maintenance of exercise and performance in even competitive distance runners while training strictly with deep water running for periods up to six weeks long. Additionally, running in the water allows the athlete to maintain proper form and technique, and maintain quick turnover during a period of which they may have had compromise in these factors. While training with deep water running the athletes perform workouts that closely mimic the workouts that they would do on land.