Dose-response of Talus Mobilizations

Dose-response of Posterior Talus Mobilizations on Ankle Range of Motion and Overall Mobility in Older Adults

Ankle mobility limitations are common in older adults. A possible treatment to restore joint mobility is manual therapy based on mobilization techniques, in this case, applied on the ankle joint. Previous research had proposed different treatment volumes (one to twelve sessions), but shown a different and non-consistent degree of effectiveness according to such factor. Therefore, this work aims to determine the dose-response relationship of manual therapy (talus mobilizations) on ankle range of motion in the older adult. Secondarily, this research will appraise whether a likely improvement in ankle mobility may have an impact on the overall mobility (i.e. gait, get up from a chair).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Community-dwelling older adults
• Over 60 years
• Limited ankle dorsiflexion range of motion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not willing to participate or signing a consent form
• Lower limb injury in the three months prior to the study (ex. sprain)
• Diagnosed condition that may influence mobility assessments (i.e. stroke)