title: Joint mobilization improves spatiotemporal postural control and range of motion in those with chronic ankle instability.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a single joint mobilization treatment on dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM), posterior talar glide, and dynamic and static postural control in individuals with self-reported chronic ankle instability (CAI). In this randomized cross-over study, subjects received a Maitland Grade III anterior-to-posterior joint mobilization treatment and a control treatment of rest for 5 min. Weight-bearing DF ROM, instrumented posterior talar displacement and posterior stiffness, the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and time-to-boundary (TTB) single-limb stance static postural control were assessed on both treatment days in 9 males and 11 females with CAI. The results indicated that the joint mobilization treatment was associated with significantly greater DF ROM (p = 0.01) and TTB in the anterior-posterior direction with eyes-open (p < 0.05). Although not significant, trends were identified in posterior talar displacement (p = 0.08) and the mean of TTB in the medial-lateral (ML) direction (p = 0.07). No significant differences were observed in the standard deviation of TTB in the ML direction, the SEBT, or posterior stiffness (p > 0.05). This indicates that a single joint mobilization treatment has mechanical and functional benefits for addressing impairments in sensorimotor function and arthrokinematic restrictions commonly experienced by individuals with CAI.
authors.affiliation: Division of Athletic Training, University of Kentucky, College of Health Sciences, Wethington Building, Room 206B, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536-0200, USA. mcho222@uky.edu
authors.forename: Matthew C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Hoch
authors.forename: Patrick O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: McKeon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult