The Effect of 2 Forms of Talocrural Joint Traction on Dorsiflexion Range of Motion and Postural Control in Those With Chronic Ankle Instability

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron J. Powden ◽  
Kathleen K. Hogan ◽  
Erik A. Wikstrom ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch

Context:Talocrural joint mobilizations are commonly used to address deficits associated with chronic ankle instability (CAI).Objective:Examine the immediate effects of talocrural joint traction in those with CAI.Design:Blinded, crossover.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:Twenty adults (14 females; age = 23.80 ± 4.02 y; height = 169.55 ± 12.38 cm; weight = 78.34 ± 16.32 kg) with self-reported CAI participated. Inclusion criteria consisted of a history of ≥1 ankle sprain, ≥2 episodes of giving way in the previous 3 mo, answering “yes” to ≥4 questions on the Ankle Instability Instrument, and ≤24 on the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool.Intervention:Subjects participated in 3 sessions in which they received a single treatment session of sustained traction (ST), oscillatory traction (OT), or a sham condition in a randomized order. Interventions consisted of four 30-s sets of traction with 1 min of rest between sets. During ST and OT, the talus was distracted distally from the ankle mortise to the end-range of accessory motion. ST consisted of continuous distraction and OT involved 1-s oscillations between the mid and end-range of accessory motion. The sham condition consisted of physical contact without force application. Preintervention and postintervention measurements of weight-bearing dorsiflexion, dynamic balance, and static single-limb balance were collected.Main Outcome Measures:The independent variable was treatment (ST, OT, sham). The dependent variables included pre-to-posttreatment change scores for the WBLT (cm), normalized SEBTAR (%), and time-to-boundary (TTB) variables(s). Separate 1-way ANOVAs examined differences between treatments for each dependent variable. Alpha was set a priori at P < .05.Results:No significant treatment effects were identified for any variables.Conclusion:A single intervention of ST or OT did not produce significant changes in weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion or postural control in individuals with CAI. Future research should investigate the effects of repeated talocrural traction treatments and the effects of this technique when combined with other manual therapies.

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Harkey ◽  
Michelle McLeod ◽  
Ashley Van Scoit ◽  
Masafumi Terada ◽  
Michael Tevald ◽  
...  

Context:Altered neuromuscular function and decreased dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) have been observed in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Joint mobilizations are indicated for restoring DFROM and dynamic postural control, yet it remains unknown if a mobilization can alter neuromuscular excitability in muscles surrounding the ankle.Objective:To determine the immediate effects of a Maitland grade III anterior-to-posterior joint mobilization on spinal-reflex and corticospinal excitability in the fibularis longus (FL) and soleus (SOL), DFROM, and dynamic postural control.Design:Single-blinded randomized control trial.Setting:Research laboratory.Patients:30 patients with CAI randomized into a mobilization (n = 15) or control (n = 15) group.Intervention:Maitland grade III anterior-to-posterior joint mobilization.Main Outcome Measures:Spinal-reflex excitability was measured with the Hoffmann reflex, while corticospinal excitability was evaluated with transcranial magnetic stimulation. DFROM was measured seated with the knee extended, and dynamic postural control was quantified with the Star Excursion Balance Test. Separate 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVAs were performed for each outcome measure. Dependent t tests were used to evaluate individual differences within groups in the presence of significance.Results:Spinal-reflex and corticospinal excitability of the SOL and FL were not altered in the mobilization or control group (P > .05). DFROM increased immediately after the mobilization (P = .05) but not in the control group, while dynamic postural control was unchanged in both groups (P > .05).Conclusion:A single joint-mobilization treatment was efficacious at restoring DFROM in participants with CAI; however, excitability of spinal reflex and corticospinal pathways at the ankle and dynamic postural control were unaffected.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Hoch ◽  
David R. Mullineaux ◽  
Richard D. Andreatta ◽  
Robert A. English ◽  
Jennifer M. Medina-McKeon ◽  
...  

Context:A single talocrural joint-mobilization treatment has improved spatiotemporal measures of postural control but not ankle arthrokinematics in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, the effects of multiple treatment sessions on these aspects of function have not been investigated.Objective:To examine the effect of a 2-wk anterior-to-posterior joint-mobilization intervention on instrumented measures of single-limb-stance static postural control and ankle arthrokinematics in adults with CAI.Design:Repeated measures.Setting:Research laboratory.Participants:12 individuals with CAI (6 male, 6 female; age 27.4 ± 4.3 y, height 175.4 ± 9.78 cm, mass 78.4 ± 11.0 kg).Intervention:Subjects received 6 treatments sessions of talocrural grade II joint traction and grade III anterior-to-posterior joint mobilization over 2 wk.Main Outcome Measures:Instrumented measures of single-limb-stance static postural control (eyes open and closed) and anterior and posterior talar displacement and stiffness were assessed 1 wk before the intervention (baseline), before the first treatment (preintervention), 24–48 h after the final treatment (postintervention), and 1 wk later (1-wk follow-up). Postural control was analyzed as center-of-pressure velocity, center-of-pressure range, the mean of time-to-boundary minima, and standard deviation of time-to-boundary minima in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions for each visual condition.Results:No significant differences were identified in any measures of postural control (P > .08) or ankle arthrokinematics (P > .21).Conclusions:The 2-wk talocrural joint-mobilization intervention did not alter instrumented measures of single-limb-stance postural control or ankle arthrokinematics. Despite the absence of change in these measures, this study continues to clarify the role of talocrural joint mobilization as a rehabilitation strategy for patients with CAI.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick O. McKeon ◽  
Alex J. Stein ◽  
Christopher D. Ingersoll ◽  
Jay Hertel

Context:Postural control as assessed via time-to-boundary (TTB) measures has been shown to be impaired in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Foot orthotics have been shown to improve postural control, although it is not clear if this is via mechanical or sensorimotor mechanisms.Objective:To assess the effect of textured shoe inserts that provide no mechanical support on postural control as assessed by TTB measures in subjects with CAI.Design:A crossover design to examine the effects of a textured insole on postural control in individuals with unilateral CAI. The independent variables were vision (eyes open, eyes closed) and texture (textured insole, sham insole, control).Setting:Laboratory.Participants:20 physically active individuals, 12 men, 8 women, age 18–45 y (21.5 ± 5.51) with self-reported CAI.Intervention:Each subject balanced in shod single-limb stance with eyes open and eyes closed under 3 conditions (control, sham, and textured insole). The order of testing under the 3 shoe conditions and 2 vision conditions was counterbalanced.Main Outcome Measures:The mean of TTB minima and the standard deviation of TTB minima in the mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior directions.Results:There were significant reductions in TTB ML magnitude and variability found in the textured condition compared with the control and sham conditions. In the textured condition, subjects failed significantly more trials than any other condition.Conclusions:Stimulating the plantar surface of the foot, via a textured insole, has an effect in the broad spectrum of postural-control maintenance in individuals with CAI.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Schaefer ◽  
Michelle A. Sandrey

Context:A dynamic-balance-training (DBT) program supplemented with the Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (GISTM) technique has not been evaluated collectively as a treatment in subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI).Objective:To examine the effects of GISTM in conjunction with a DBT program on outcomes associated with CAI, including pain and disability, range of motion (ROM), and dynamic postural control.Design:Pretest/posttest, repeated measures.Setting:High school and a Division I mid-Atlantic university.Participants:Thirty-six healthy, physically active individuals (5 female, 31 male; age 17.7 ± 1.9 y; height 175.3 ± 14.6 cm) with a history of CAI as determined by an ankle-instability questionnaire volunteered to be in this study.Interventions:Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 intervention groups: both treatments (DBT/GISTM, n = 13), DBT and a sham GISTM treatment (DBT/GISTM-S, n = 12), or DBT and control—no GISTM (DBT/C, n = 11). All groups participated in a 4-wk DBT program consisting of low-impact and dynamic activities that was progressed from week to week. The DBT/GISTM and DBT/GISTM-S groups received the GISTM treatment or sham treatment twice a week for 8 min before performing the DBT program. Pretest and posttest measurements included the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), FAAM Sport, the visual analog scale (VAS), ankle ROM in 4 directions, and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in 3 directions.Main Outcome Measures:FAAM and FAAM-Sport scores, VAS, goniometric ROM (plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion), and SEBT (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral).Results:Subjects in all groups posttest demonstrated an increase in FAAM, FAAM Sport, ROM, and SEBT in all directions but not in VAS, which decreased. No other results were significant.Conclusion:For subjects with CAI, dynamic postural control, ROM, pain and disability improved pretest to posttest regardless of group membership, with the largest effects found in most measures in the DBT/GISTM group.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 232596712092737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Holland ◽  
Jonathan D. Hughes ◽  
Mark B.A. De Ste Croix

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is linked to mechanical and functional insufficiencies. Joint mobilization is purported to be effective at treating these deficits. Purpose: To examine the effect of different treatment durations of a grade IV anterior-to-posterior ankle joint mobilization on weightbearing dorsiflexion range of motion (WB-DFROM), posterior talar glide (PG), and dynamic postural control in individuals with CAI. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 48 female athletes (mean age, 22.8 ± 4.8 years) with unilateral CAI participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment conditions: 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 120 seconds. Treatment was provided to the injured limb on 3 separate occasions 48 hours apart and consisted of a Maitland grade IV anterior-to-posterior talar joint mobilization based on the participant’s initial group assignment. WB-DFROM; PG; and the anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test were measured bilaterally before and after each treatment. The uninjured limb acted as a control. Data were analyzed using 2-way mixed-model analyses of variance, and effect sizes were calculated through use of Hedges g. Results: Significant differences were detected after all treatment sessions for all outcome measures ( P ≤ .001) and between treatment groups after sessions 1, 2, and 3 for all outcome measures ( P ≤ .001). Effect sizes were very large or huge for all treatment groups for WB-DFROM, PG, and ANT reach direction. Substantial variation was found in effect sizes for PM and PL measures. Conclusion: Accessory mobilization is an effective treatment to induce acute changes in ankle motion and dynamic postural control in patients with CAI, with longer treatment durations conferring greater improvements. Clinical Relevance: This study adds clarity to the use of joint mobilization treatments and will add to the current clinical practice strategy for patients with CAI.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Katherine L. Helly ◽  
Katherine A. Bain ◽  
Phillip A. Gribble ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch

Clinical Scenario: Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) demonstrate deficits in both sensory and motor function, which can be objectively evaluated through static postural control testing. One intervention that has been suggested to improve somatosensation and, in turn, static postural control is plantar massage. Clinical Question: Does plantar massage improve static postural control during single-limb stance in patients with CAI relative to baseline? Summary of Key Findings: A search was performed for articles exploring the effect of plantar massage on static postural control in individuals with CAI. Three articles were included in this critically appraised topic including 1 randomized controlled trial and 2 crossover studies. All studies supported the use of plantar massage to improve static postural control in patients with CAI. Clinical Bottom Line: There is currently good-quality and consistent evidence that supports the use of plantar massage as an intervention that targets the somatosensory system to improve static postural control in patients with CAI. Future research should focus on incorporating plantar massage as a treatment intervention during long-term rehabilitation protocols for individuals with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: In agreement with the Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, the consistent results from 2 crossover studies and 1 randomized controlled trial designate that there is level B evidence due to consistent, moderate- to high-quality evidence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 833-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Hoch ◽  
Kelley E. Farwell ◽  
Stacey L. Gaven ◽  
Joshua T. Weinhandl

Context  People with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit less weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and less knee flexion during landing than people with stable ankles. Examining the relationship between dorsiflexion ROM and landing biomechanics may identify a modifiable factor associated with altered kinematics and kinetics during landing tasks. Objective  To examine the relationship between weight-bearing dorsiflexion ROM and single-legged landing biomechanics in persons with CAI. Design  Cross-sectional study. Setting  Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants  Fifteen physically active persons with CAI (5 men, 10 women; age = 21.9 ± 2.1 years, height = 168.7 ± 9.0 cm, mass = 69.4 ± 13.3 kg) participated. Intervention(s)  Participants performed dorsiflexion ROM and single-legged landings from a 40-cm height. Sagittal-plane kinematics of the lower extremity and ground reaction forces (GRFs) were captured during landing. Main Outcome Measure(s)  Static dorsiflexion was measured using the weight-bearing–lunge test. Kinematics of the ankle, knee, and hip were observed at initial contact, maximum angle, and sagittal displacement. Sagittal displacements of the ankle, knee, and hip were summed to examine overall sagittal displacement. Kinetic variables were maximum posterior and vertical GRFs normalized to body weight. We used Pearson product moment correlations to evaluate the relationships between dorsiflexion ROM and landing biomechanics. Correlations (r) were interpreted as weak (0.00–0.40), moderate (0.41–0.69), or strong (0.70–1.00). The coefficient of determination (r2) was used to determine the amount of explained variance among variables. Results  Static dorsiflexion ROM was moderately correlated with maximum dorsiflexion (r = 0.49, r2 = 0.24), ankle displacement (r = 0.47, r2 = 0.22), and total displacement (r = 0.67, r2 = 0.45) during landing. Dorsiflexion ROM measured statically and during landing demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with maximum knee (r = 0.69–0.74, r2 = 0.47–0.55) and hip (r = 0.50–0.64, r2 = 0.25–0.40) flexion, hip (r = 0.53–0.55, r2 = 0.28–0.30) and knee (r = 0.53–0.70, r2 = 0.28–0.49) displacement, and vertical GRF (−0.47– −0.50, r2 = 0.22–0.25). Conclusions  Dorsiflexion ROM was moderately to strongly related to sagittal-plane kinematics and maximum vertical GRF during single-legged landing in persons with CAI. Persons with less dorsiflexion ROM demonstrated a more erect landing posture and greater GRF.


2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan N. Houston ◽  
Patrick O. McKeon ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch

Context:Following joint mobilizations, individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have reported increased self-reported function as measured by the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM).Objective:To examine the effect of a 2-week talocrural joint mobilization intervention on individual items of the FAAM in physically active adults with CAI.Participants:Twelve adults with CAI.Intervention:Self-reported function was documented with the FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sport at preintervention and at 1-week postintervention. The joint mobilization intervention consisted of six treatments over 2 weeks. During each treatment, subjects received 4 minutes of talocrural traction and 8 minutes of Maitland Grade-III anterior-to-posterior talocrural joint mobilization.Main Outcome Measures:Participants completed the 21-item FAAM-ADL and 8-item FAAM-Sport.Results:Signifcant changes were detected between preintervention and 1-week follow-up measures for “Walking on even ground” (p= 0.06), “Going down stairs” (p= 0.07), “Walking on uneven ground” (p= 0.03), “Light to moderate work” (p= 0.06), “Heavy work” (p= 0.03), “Recreational activity” (p= 0.07), “Landing” (p= 0.03), “Low impact activities” (p= 0.07), and “Cutting” (p= 0.02). No signifcant changes were identifed in the other 20 items (p> 0.10).Conclusion:The fndings suggest talocrural joint mobilization may address specifc mechanical and functional impairments associated with the aforementioned tasks during physical activity.


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