The effects of posterior talar glide with dorsiflexion of the ankle on mobility, muscle strength and balance in stroke patients: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of posterior talar glide (PTG) with dorsiflexion of the ankle on stroke patients ankle mobility, muscle strength, and balance ability. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-four subjects were randomly assigned to either a PTG with dorsiflexion group (PTG; n=17), or a weight-bearing with placebo PTG group (control; n=17). Subjects in the PTG group performed PTG with dorsiflexion, designed to improve ankle mobility, muscle strength and balance ability with proprioceptive control of the ankle, for 10 glides of 5 sets/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. [Results] The experimental group showed significant improvement on the Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion assessment, Ankle Dorsiflexor Manual Muscle Test, Functional Reach Test, Time Up and Go test, and Functional Gait Assessment compared to the control group. However, regarding Ankle Plantarflexion Range of Motion assessment and the Ankle Plantarflexor Manual Muscle Test, no significant differences were found between the two groups. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that PTG with dorsiflexion can improve ankle mobility, muscle strength and balance ability in patients recovering from stroke. This exercise may prove useful in clinical rehabilitation. Further research on the long-term effectiveness of PTG on gait ability is suggested.

Effects of talus stabilization taping versus ankle kinesio taping in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

“…Further, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in the TUG results following interventions, decreasing by 6.8% in the KT group and 37.2% in the TST group. These results are consistent with those of previous studies (Lee et al, 2017;Sheng et al, 2019). Sheng et al (2019) demonstrated that ankle KT intervention significantly improved 10-m walking test, TUG results, stride length, stance phase, and swing phase compared with baseline in patients with foot drop after stroke.…”

“…Sheng et al (2019) demonstrated that ankle KT intervention significantly improved 10-m walking test, TUG results, stride length, stance phase, and swing phase compared with baseline in patients with foot drop after stroke. Specifically, posterior talar glide with dorsiflexion ankle joint mobilization was shown to significantly increase ankle ROM, ankle strength, TUG results, and gait function compared with the placebo group in patients with stroke (Lee et al, 2017). Ankle KT might reduce the recruitment time to the dynamic ankle joint stabilizer muscles, ensure the proper posture of the foot, and improve the contact of the foot with the ground (Morris et al, 2013;Yazici et al, 2015).…”

Immediate Effects of Ankle–Foot Orthosis Using Wire on Static Balance of Patients with Stroke with Foot Drop: A Cross-Over Study

“…In a previous study, patients with chronic stroke who wore a flexible AFO made of elastic bands demonstrated increased balance due to the elastic band providing lesser limitation of dorsiflexion than the plastic AFO [ 40 ]. Lee et al [ 41 ] reported that talus posterior gliding in a weight-bearing posture improved static balance in patients with stroke by increasing afferent stimulation of the ankle joint. Talus posterior gliding stimulates the afferent pathway of the mechanical receptors around the ankle joint, which enhances talocrural articulation and afferent information in the surrounding tissues [ 41 ].…”

“…Lee et al [ 41 ] reported that talus posterior gliding in a weight-bearing posture improved static balance in patients with stroke by increasing afferent stimulation of the ankle joint. Talus posterior gliding stimulates the afferent pathway of the mechanical receptors around the ankle joint, which enhances talocrural articulation and afferent information in the surrounding tissues [ 41 ]. Applying taping in the inferior posterior direction for talus posterior gliding increased ankle dorsiflexion in patients with limited dorsiflexion [ 42 ] and improved static balance in patients with chronic stroke [ 43 ].…”

Effects of Combined Functional Electrical Stimulation and Joint Mobilization on Muscle Activation and Mobility of Ankle Joints and Modified Functional Reach Test in Stroke Patients

“…When weight-bearing training was applied to a stroke patient along with joint mobilization, their ROM and walking speed were improved [9]. In addition, the application of posterior talofibular glide improved mobility of the ankle, muscle strength and balance ability [10]. When posterior talofibular glide was applied in combination with dorsiflexion, balance and gait function improved [11].…”