Efficacy of Mobilization with Movement for Patients with Limited Dorsiflexion after Ankle Sprain: A Crossover Trial

Abstract

Purpose: Although a primary goal of many manual therapy techniques is to improve joint range of motion (ROM), efficacy studies evaluating the effect of treatment on ROM are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a talocrural joint mobilization-with-movement (MWM) technique on dorsiflexion ROM in participants demonstrating decreased range following lateral ankle sprain. Method: Twenty-three participants who had sustained unilateral ankle sprains within the past two years and exhibited a restriction in weight-bearing dorsiflexion participated in the study. We used a crossover design with random assignment to either a sham mobilization or an MWM technique. One week later, participants returned and received the alternate technique. Dorsiflexion was assessed using a weight-bearing lunge test. Results: The change in dorsiflexion following the MWM technique (0.63 6 0.89 cm) was significantly greater (p 5 0.02) than the change following the sham technique (0.18 6 0.35 cm). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a talocurual MWM improves ankle dorsiflexion immediately following treatment. Future research evaluating the effectiveness of multiple treatments on functional outcomes is warranted.