Effect of Mobilization With Movement on Weight Bearing Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Ankle Joint Contracture

• Registration Number: NCT05844072
• Lead Sponsor: University of South Carolina

Brief Summary

Limited ankle range of motion is associated with increased risk for ankle sprains, knee joint dysfunction and injury to the ACL. Therefore, it is important that researchers and clinicians understand the best treatment options to increase ankle range of motion for injury prevention. We are recruiting adults with limited ankle range of motion who are lacking current ankle injuries for a treatment investigation. All study procedures will occur on the campus of the University of South Carolina by a licensed Physical Therapist and experienced researcher.

Detailed Description

All participants will receive the MWM intervention with weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured prior to the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours (+/- 3 hours) following the intervention. The participant will first place their foot on a 16-inch box to assist in performance of the intervention by the therapist. A licensed physical therapist (PT) will then stabilize the talus for a proper joint mobilization to be performed. The therapist will then mobilize the distal tib/fib in the posterior to anterior direction at end range DF reached through a forward lunge, using a Mulligan's mobilization belt around the distal tibia-fibula. The participant will perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions of the forward lunge and the PT will perform a bout of overpressure at end range during each repetition. Two other investigators will be on either side of participant to assist with balance during the intervention if needed.

Weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be measured via a primary and secondary measure. The primary measurement will be use of a bubble inclinometer and the secondary measurement will be the standing ankle dorsiflexion screen (SADS).

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2023-04
• Study First Submitted: 2023-04-24
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-04-24
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-04-24
• Study Start: 2023-05
• Study First Posted: 2023-05-06
• Last Update Posted: 2023-05-06
• Primary Completion: 2023-11
• Study Completion: 2023-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

• The sole inclusion criterion will be a limitation in active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion to less than 20 degrees in weight bearing in one or both ankles.

Exclusion Criteria

• Exclusion criteria include self identified feelings of ankle instability or known diagnosis of chronic ankle instability, dermatologic conditions such as open wounds or impaired sensation which inhibit the ability to use the mobilization strap, and inability to get into the testing position or perform a lunge during the intervention.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Dorsiflexion range of motion	Immediately after the intervention	The measurement will then be taken using the inclinometer placed at 15 cm below the tibial tuberosity. The examiner stabilizing the heel will hold the inclinometer in place, while another examiner ensures proper placement of the inclinometer and takes the reading.
Weight bearing lunge test	Immediatley after intervention	The Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) will be used to measure closed chain dorsiflexion in participants. A bubble inclinometer will be placed 15 cm below the tibial tuberosity for measurement during the WBLT. Participants will place their foot on a line on the floor which is perpendicular to the wall to help maintain alignment. The measurement will then be taken using the inclinometer placed at 15 cm below the tibial tuberosity. The examiner stabilizing the heel will hold the inclinometer in place, while another examiner ensures proper placement of the inclinometer and takes the reading. The WBLT will be completed twice and the average of the two measurements will be taken.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Blatt Physical education Building; 🇺🇸 Columbia, South Carolina, United States