Effect of a 2-week joint mobilization intervention on single-limb balance and ankle arthrokinematics in those with chronic ankle instability.
BACKGROUND
A single talocrural joint-mobilization treatment has improved spatiotemporal measures of postural control but not ankle arthrokinematics in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, the effects of multiple treatment sessions on these aspects of function have not been investigated.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of a 2-wk anterior-to-posterior joint-mobilization intervention on instrumented measures of single-limb-stance static postural control and ankle arthrokinematics in adults with CAI.


METHODS
Repeated measures.


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
12 individuals with CAI (6 male, 6 female; age 27.4 ± 4.3 y, height 175.4 ± 9.78 cm, mass 78.4 ± 11.0 kg).


METHODS
Subjects received 6 treatments sessions of talocrural grade II joint traction and grade III anterior-to-posterior joint mobilization over 2 wk.


METHODS
Instrumented measures of single-limb-stance static postural control (eyes open and closed) and anterior and posterior talar displacement and stiffness were assessed 1 wk before the intervention (baseline), before the first treatment (preintervention), 24-48 h after the final treatment (postintervention), and 1 wk later (1-wk follow-up). Postural control was analyzed as center-of-pressure velocity, center-of-pressure range, the mean of time-to-boundary minima, and standard deviation of time-to-boundary minima in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions for each visual condition.


RESULTS
No significant differences were identified in any measures of postural control (P > .08) or ankle arthrokinematics (P > .21).


CONCLUSIONS
The 2-wk talocrural joint-mobilization intervention did not alter instrumented measures of single-limb-stance postural control or ankle arthrokinematics. Despite the absence of change in these measures, this study continues to clarify the role of talocrural joint mobilization as a rehabilitation strategy for patients with CAI.
School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA.
Matthew C
MC
Hoch
David R
DR
Mullineaux
Richard D
RD
Andreatta
Robert A
RA
English
Jennifer M
JM
Medina-McKeon
Carl G
CG
Mattacola
Patrick O
PO
McKeon
D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult