The Acute Effect of Posterior Talar Glide Mobilization on Weight Bearing Dorsiflexion Range of Motion and Walking Speed : A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

Walking is a fundamental component of daily living activities and depends on adequate range of motion and coordination in the lower limb joints. The ankle joint plays a significant role in regulating stride length and walking speed by allowing the tibia to move forward, particularly during the stance phase of the gait cycle. In this process, sufficient ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is considered critical for maintaining a functional and fluid walking pattern. It has been reported that measurements taken under load (weight-bearing dorsiflexion) better reflect functional activities when assessing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) is a valid and reliable method widely preferred in clinical practice, enabling the assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range under load. It is thought that restricted dorsiflexion range under load may lead to compensatory mechanisms such as early heel lift, reduced step length and decreased walking speed during walking. However, it appears that the relationship between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion under load and walking speed in healthy individuals has not been sufficiently clarified. From the perspective of talocrural joint mechanics, the talus bone must perform a posterior glide movement during dorsiflexion. Restriction in this posterior glide movement is considered one of the mechanical factors limiting dorsiflexion range. Posterior talar glide mobilisations are among the non-invasive manual therapy approaches frequently used in clinical practice, aimed at improving talocrural joint mechanics and increasing dorsiflexion range. Whilst studies examining the acute effects of these mobilisations on dorsiflexion range of motion exist in the literature, findings regarding whether this mechanical change is reflected in walking speed-a functional outcome-are limited. Therefore, establishing the relationship between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion under load and walking speed, and evaluating the acute effects of posterior talar glide mobilisation on these mechanical parameters using a sham-controlled design, is of importance from both clinical and biomechanical perspectives. The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute effects of posterior talar glide mobilisation on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion weight bearing (measured using the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test) and walking speed, using a randomised, sham-controlled study design.