The Immediate Effect of Mobilisation With Movement in Amateur Futsal Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

The Immediate Effect of Two Mobilization With Movement Techniques on Dorsiflexion, Dynamic Balance and Performance Variables, in Futsal Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is an increasingly prevalent condition among futsal athletes. Mobilization with Movement (MWM) is a conservative rehabilitation strategy commonly used in this condition. Even so, the effects of two MWM dorsiflexion techniques on sports performance are not known. The aim is to analyze the immediate effect of two MWM techniques on the dorsiflexion range of motion, the dynamic balance and the performance variables in futsal athletes with CAI. Also, to analyze the impact of performing them in a different order.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. A history of at least one significative ankle sprain:

   • Initial sprain must have occurred at least 12 months prior to study enrolment;
   • Was associated with inflammatory symptoms;
   • Created at least one interrupted day of desired physical activity;
   • The most recent injury must have occurred more than 3 months prior to study enrolment.

2. A history of the previously injured ankle joint "giving way" and/or recurrent sprain and/or "feelings of instability":

   • Participants should report at least two episodes of "giving way" in the 12 months prior to study enrolment, to account for the seasonal nature of futsal;
   • Recurrent sprain was defined as two or more sprains to the same ankle.

3. Self-reported ankle instability should be confirmed with the Ankle Instability Instrument: answer "yes" to at least 5 yes/no questions.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. A history of previous surgeries to the musculoskeletal structures (i.e., bones, joint structures, nerves) in either lower extremity.
2. A history of bilateral ankle sprain.
3. A history of a fracture in either lower extremity requiring realignment.
4. Acute injury to musculoskeletal structures of other joints of the lower extremity in the previous 3 months that impacted joint integrity and function (i.e., sprains, fractures), resulting in at least one interrupted day of desired physical activity.
5. Have conditions for which manual therapy is generally contraindicated (such as the presence of a tumour, fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, prolonged history of steroid use, or severe vascular disease).
6. Receiving concurrent physiotherapy treatment in the last 3 months.
7. Inability to read Portuguese.