The effect of talocrural joint manipulation on range of motion at the ankle

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether a single high velocity, low amplitude thrust manipulation to the talocrural joint altered ankle range of motion.Design: A randomized, controlled and blinded study. Subjects: Asymptomatic male and female volunteers (N=41).Methods: Subjects were randomly assigned into either an experimental group (N=20) or a control group (N=21). Both ankles of subjects in the experimental group were manipulated using a single high velocity, low amplitude thrust to the talocrural joint. Pre and post measurements of passive dorsiflexion range of motion were collected.Results: No significant changes in dorsiflexion range of motion were detected between manipulated ankles and controls. A significantly greater pre-test dorsiflexion range of motion existed in those ankles where manipulation produced an audible cavitation. Conclusion:Manipulation of the ankle does not increase dorsiflexion range of motion in asymptomatic subjects. Ankles that displayed a greater pre-test range of dorsiflexion were more likely to cavitate, raising the possibility that ligament laxity may be associated with the tendency for ankles to cavitate.

The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes

“…This finding is contrary to the findings of other authors whereby a single talocrural joint manipulation did not affect ankle joint range of motion. 30,31 But these findings were in asymptomatic subjects with no history of significant lower extremity injury, recurrent inversion sprains, or sprains within 6 months of selection. Also, they may not have tested the true end range of passive dorsiflexion motion.…”

Effects of a Proximal or Distal Tibiofibular Joint Manipulation on Ankle Range of Motion and Functional Outcomes in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

“…11,23,25,43,44,46,[59][60][61][62] Mobilization or manipulation of the talocrural joint has been shown to result in improvements in dorsiflexion ROM and function. 11,13,25,33,38,44,46,59 Specifically, individuals with CAI have been shown to demonstrate increased ankle dorsiflexion ROM and improved balance following talocrural joint mobilization.…”

“…Similar to the proximal tibiofibular intervention, cavitation was not used exclusively to determine whether the technique was applied successfully. 22,23 No Treatment (Control Group) Participants in the control group sat quietly on a treatment table for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, which was the estimated time needed to complete the other 2 experimental interventions. The treatment provider did not make physical contact with the participant.…”

Sagittal plane blockage of the foot, ankle and hallux and foot alignment-prevalence and association with low back pain

“…13 In fact, no gold standard exists for clinically measuring flat feet but newer techniques currently being studied such as navicular height, arch index, foot posture index or navicular drift may improve similar future research. 6,20 Additionally, the method of taking ankle range of motion, as described by Fryer et al, 21 may improve data reliability.…”