NCT01438905

Effect of Joint Mobilization in the Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability

Effect of Joint Mobilization on Muscle Activation and Function in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Creighton University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 19 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a gentle pressure movement performed at the ankle by a physical therapist on muscle function and ankle motion in individuals who frequently twist (sprain) their ankle.

Detailed description

Novel rehabilitation methods, that specifically target decreased muscle activation due to joint pathology prior to strength training, have elicited greater improvements in muscle function and self-reported disability compared to traditional therapies. Preliminary evidence suggests ankle joint mobilization can improve contributions of spinal influences on ankle muscle activation in individuals with ankle joint pathology, but there is a considerable gap in understanding cortical contributions to muscle activation following joint injury. It is unknown how joint mobilization concurrently affects cortical and spinal neural motor pathways, as well as clinical measures of patient function. The overall aim of this grant is to determine the immediate effects of talocrural joint mobilization on cortical and spinal muscle activation of the fibularis longus (peroneus) and soleus muscles in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The secondary aims of this study will examine changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and dynamic balance. This innovate approach will provide the necessary scientific knowledge regarding the potential mechanism and efficacy of joint mobilization.

Conditions

• Ankle Sprain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Small amplitude (Grade IV) mobilization	The subject will be in a seated position and the therapist will stabilize the distal tibia with one hand and make contact the anterior talus with the opposite hand. Three 60-second anterior to posterior joint mobilizations of the talus (small amplitude at end range; Grade IV) will be applied by the therapist with one minute rest in between sets.
OTHER	High velocity, low amplitude (Grade V) mobilization	The subject will be in a seated position and the therapist will grasp the dorsum of the foot with their fingers. The ankle will be dorsiflexed until the restrictive barrier is reached. A small amplitude, quick thrust at end of range (High velocity, low amplitude; Grade V mobilization/manipulation) will be applied. If joint cavitation is not felt or heard by the therapist or subject the technique will be repeated one additional time.

Timeline

• Start date: 2011-09-01
• Primary completion: 2012-11-01
• Completion: 2012-12-01
• First posted: 2011-09-22
• Last updated: 2018-02-23

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States