The authors conducted this study in order to establish the immediate effects of a single anteroposterior mobilization of the talus on the active dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) in individuals with different orthopedic foot and ankle injuries. Their study consisted of 30 male and female participants aged 18 to 50 years with unilateral orthopedic foot and ankle dysfunction. All participants underwent 3 sets of active dorsiflexion ROM measurement in both ankles. Measurements were baseline, post-first treatment, and post-second treatment values. The participants received either joint mobilization or manual contact (control) on the affected ankle. Active dorsiflexion ROM was assessed using a biplanar goniometer with participants in the prone position and 90° of knee flexion. Both groups (joint mobilization and manual contact) displayed greater active dorsiflexion ROM. However, the mean difference of dorsiflexion measurements before and after mobilization was greater than before and after control treatment.
The authors concluded that a single session of articular mobilization of the talus didn’t substantially increase dorsiflexion ROM in patients presenting orthopedic dysfunctions of the ankle and foot compared with a manual contact procedure.