Initial effects of the ankle dorsiflexion mobilization with movement on ankle range of motion and limb coordination in young healthy subjects

Background and purpose: Clinically, ankle dorsiflexion mobilization with movements (MWM) is a manual therapy technique widely used to increase joint range of motion, reduce pain, and improve functions. It has been reported in a single case study to have initial effects of improved functional outcomes and pain relief on acute ankle sprains. However, no study has examined the immediate effects of this technique on gait patterns in the ankle joint of healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 60 healthy collegiate students (40 females and 20 males, age 21±1.8 years; BMI 21.02±2.4) participated in three consecutive days. Spatial and temporal parameters of gait during level walking using a pressure sensor walkway and weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range using ankle lunge test were analyzed before and immediately after a single session of ankle dorsiflexion MWM intervention. Tests were repeated at day two and three after the intervention. Results: Significant improvements of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion on the dominant side were found between pre-and post-intervention (p＜0.0001), at day two (p＜0.0001) and at day three (p＜0.0001). Significant changes in spatial (step length, stride length, and base of support) during slow walking and in temporal (gait cycle time and step time) variables on both sides were also observed during self-paced walking at day two (p＜0.004) and day three (p＜0.004) compared with pre-intervention. Conclusion: The results suggest that immediate and sustained spatio-temporal effects occur following ankle MWM. Changes during level walking indicate possible effects of alterations in motor strategies during functional tasks following ankle MWM.