Immediate Effects of Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and Taping Versus Sham Treatment on Functional Performance and Proximal Lower Limb Biomechanics in Volleyball Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Sham Controlled Trial

This randomized sham controlled trial aims to evaluate the immediate effects of Mobilization with Movement MWM combined with taping on functional performance and proximal lower limb biomechanics in indoor athletes with chronic ankle instability CAI Chronic ankle instability is a common consequence of repeated ankle sprains and is associated with impaired functional performance and altered movement patterns including increased knee valgus and pelvic drop which may elevate the risk of further lower limb injuries

Eligible indoor athletes aged 18–30 years with a history of recurrent ankle sprains and a CAIT score with more than or equal to 25 will be randomly allocated into either an intervention group receiving talocrural MWM and rigid taping or a sham treatment group Outcome measures will be assessed immediately before and after the intervention Functional performance will be evaluated using the single leg horizontal hop test while lower limb biomechanics  including knee valgus angle and contralateral pelvic drop will be assessed using 2D video analysis

The study seeks to determine whether MWM and taping can produce immediate improvements in hop performance knee alignment  and pelvic control compared to sham treatment Findings from this study may provide clinically relevant evidence to support early phase and on field management strategies for athletes with chronic ankle instability  potentially aiding in injury prevention and safer return-to-sport decision-making