The Effects of Gentle Movements at the Ankle in Individuals With Diminished Range of Motion

The purpose of this study is the examine the effects of a grade IV anterior to posterior
joint mobilization and stretching on self-reported function, dorsiflexion range of motion,
talar glide and stiffness in individuals who have suffered from an ankle sprain within the
last year and have a 5° dorsiflexion range of motion deficit.

We will quantify range of motion with standard goniometric measures, stiffness with the use
of an instrumented ankle arthrometer, talar glide with the use of the posterior talar glide
test and self-reported function using the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM) and
FAAM-sport.

Inclusion Criteria:

- History of a lateral ankle sprain within the last year

- Dorsiflexion range of motion deficit of 5°

- Return to full activity prior to participation in this study

- Individuals with dorsiflexion range of motion that is less than degrees of
dorsiflexion.

Exclusion Criteria:

- A history of ankle surgery that involves intra-articular fixation

- Syndesmotic ankle sprain (to be ruled out based on the attending certified athletic
trainers diagnosis)

- A history or signs of reflex sympathetic dystrophy

- Suffer from an acute injury in the lower extremity within the last 6 weeks

- Have received manual therapy for the ankle sprain prior to enrollment