Effect of talocrural joint mobilizations on restricted ankle dorsiflexion and the kinematics of squatting tasks

Joint mobilization treatments aimed at increasing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM) may affect DF-ROM and squat kinematics in healthy subjects with restricted dorsiflexion. Measures of DF-ROM and squat kinematics (knee valgus displacement, medial knee displacement, and dorsiflexion displacement) were assessed in 43 subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control (calf stretching and sham mobilization) or treatment (calf stretching, mobilization with movement treatment, and anterior to posterior talocrucal joint mobilization) group. All subjects, regardless of group, demonstrated significantly improved DF-ROM at post testing. During squatting tasks, dorsiflexion displacement increased significantly from pre- to post-testing in both double and single leg squats. No significant differences were observed for knee valgus displacement or medial knee displacement. Thus, calf stretching improved passive and active dorsiflexion range of motion in subjects with dorsiflexion restrictions. Joint mobilizations did not have an additive effect on dorsiflexion gains nor affect squatting kinematics at the knee.Master of Art