Dose-response of talus mobilizations in weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM of the older adults with limited ankle mobility: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Although manual therapy is an effective technique for increasing ankle range of motion, the dose-response required is unclear.

Objective

To find out what number of sessions of talus mobilizations will induce a detectable change in weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion of older adults with limited ankle mobility.

Design

Four-arm randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Community-dwelling.

Methods

62 older adults; aged over 60; with ankle dorsiflexion ROM below 35°. Four groups received from one to four treatment sessions. Each session consisted of 3 mobilizations of 30 s, with of the talus in anteroposterior glide, with a rest of 30 s. Grade IV mobilizations were applied to target the accessory movement of the ankle up to the resistance offered by periarticular tissues. The Lunge test was used to measure weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion.

Results

The four groups increased their ankle mobility after one session, but two sessions were needed to overcome the established 4.7°’ threshold, regardless of group. Only those participants who received four sessions maintained the improvements for 8 weeks.

Conclusions

Two sessions of talus mobilizations are effective in improving weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM. It will be necessary to deliver four sessions of treatment if these improvements are to be maintained for at least 8 weeks.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT04563663.