The Effects of Gentle Movements at the Ankle in Individuals With Diminished Range of Motion

The Effects of Talocrural Joint Mobilizations in Individuals With Diminished Dorsiflexion Range of Motion After Ankle Sprain

The purpose of this study is the examine the effects of gentle movements applied to the ankle joint and stretching on self-reported function, ankle motion and stiffness in individuals who have suffered from an ankle sprain within the last year and have decreased ankle motion.

The purpose of this study is the examine the effects of a grade IV anterior to posterior joint mobilization and stretching on self-reported function, dorsiflexion range of motion, talar glide and stiffness in individuals who have suffered from an ankle sprain within the last year and have a 5° dorsiflexion range of motion deficit.

We will quantify range of motion with standard goniometric measures, stiffness with the use of an instrumented ankle arthrometer, talar glide with the use of the posterior talar glide test and self-reported function using the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM) and FAAM-sport.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of a lateral ankle sprain within the last year
• Dorsiflexion range of motion deficit of 5°
• Return to full activity prior to participation in this study
• Individuals with dorsiflexion range of motion that is less than degrees of dorsiflexion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A history of ankle surgery that involves intra-articular fixation
• Syndesmotic ankle sprain (to be ruled out based on the attending certified athletic trainers diagnosis)
• A history or signs of reflex sympathetic dystrophy
• Suffer from an acute injury in the lower extremity within the last 6 weeks
• Have received manual therapy for the ankle sprain prior to enrollment