Accumulative Effects of Talus Mobilization

Effects of Anteroposterior Talus Mobilization on Range of Motion, Pain, and Functional Capacity in Participants With Sub-acute and Chronic Ankle Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of anteroposterior talus mobilization on range of motion, pain, and functional capacity in participants with sub-acute and chronic ankle injuries.

The purpose of this study was to verify the acute effect (one session) and chronic (six sessions) and follow-up of the anteroposterior talus mobilization Maitland's grade III on range of motion, pain, and functional capacity in participants with sub-acute and chronic ankle injuries. Thirty eight volunteers subjects (male and female) participated of this study with minimum 18 and maximum 59 years old. The volunteers were allocated in two groups: experimental and control. The variables related to range of motion, pain and functional capacity were measured by biplane goniometer, Visual Analog Scale and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure respectively in four moments: 1- baseline; 2- after the first intervention; 3- after the sixth intervention (two weeks); 4- follow-up (one month). The experimental group received anteroposterior articular mobilization of the talus and the control group received manual contact.

Inclusion Criteria:

• unilateral traumatic injury of the ankle with at least two weeks and maximum eight months
• at least a 5º limitation of passive dorsiflexion in comparison to the contralateral side
• do not be under another physical therapy treatment for the lesion
• able to unload partial or total body weight
• do not be in use of analgesic
• provided informed consent after receiving and explanation of all procedures and pertinent information regarding the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• joint blockage by surgical fixation or ankylosis
• presence of vascular, rheumatic, neurological and neoplastic disease in the lower limb
• open or contagious lesion in the ankle region
• pain during palpation in the region anterior of the ankle