Study of the Force Applied During Anteroposterior Articular Mobilization of the Talus and its Effect on the Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

Claudia Venturini, Meliana Moller Penedo, Gustavo Henrique Peixoto, Mauro Heleno Chagas, Manuela Loureiro Ferreira and Marcos Antônio de Resende

The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of the force applied during the Maitland grade III anteroposterior joint mobilization of the talus and its effect on dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM).  The results showed consistency regarding maximal forces applied throughout the 30 seconds of mobilization as well as low consistency upon the minimal forces. A significant increase in dorsiflexion ROM of the ankle was found immediately after joint mobilization.  These results have shown consistent maximal forces applied by one examiner and inconsistent minimal forces during an ankle mobilization in healthy volunteers when the same examiner was compared. Moreover, the applied force was able to increase dorsiflexion ROM after the Maitland grade III anteroposterior mobilization of the talus.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics,2007, 30(8), 593-597

View Abstract