Effect of Mobilization With Movement on Weight Bearing Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

NCT ID: NCT05844072

Last Updated: 2023-05-06

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: UNKNOWN
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 20 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2023-05-31
• Study Completion Date: 2023-11-30

Brief Summary

Limited ankle range of motion is associated with increased risk for ankle sprains, knee joint dysfunction and injury to the ACL. Therefore, it is important that researchers and clinicians understand the best treatment options to increase ankle range of motion for injury prevention. We are recruiting adults with limited ankle range of motion who are lacking current ankle injuries for a treatment investigation. All study procedures will occur on the campus of the University of South Carolina by a licensed Physical Therapist and experienced researcher.

Detailed Description

All participants will receive the MWM intervention with weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured prior to the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours (+/- 3 hours) following the intervention. The participant will first place their foot on a 16-inch box to assist in performance of the intervention by the therapist. A licensed physical therapist (PT) will then stabilize the talus for a proper joint mobilization to be performed. The therapist will then mobilize the distal tib/fib in the posterior to anterior direction at end range DF reached through a forward lunge, using a Mulligan's mobilization belt around the distal tibia-fibula. The participant will perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions of the forward lunge and the PT will perform a bout of overpressure at end range during each repetition. Two other investigators will be on either side of participant to assist with balance during the intervention if needed.

Weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be measured via a primary and secondary measure. The primary measurement will be use of a bubble inclinometer and the secondary measurement will be the standing ankle dorsiflexion screen (SADS).

Conditions

Ankle Joint Contracture

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NON_RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: SINGLE_GROUP
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion with inclinometer in standing

The Standing Ankle Dorsiflexion Screen (SADS) will be used as a categorical outcome measure which is a more functional way to measure ankle dorsiflexion and does not require the use of additional equipment. The participant will be instructed to stand in tandem stance, one foot directly in front of the other, and bend both knees as far as they can while keeping their heel in contact with the ground. The examiner will then use a ruler to align the posterior knee with the medial malleolus and determine the position of behind, within, or in front of the malleolus.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Mobilization with movement

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

All participants will receive the MWM intervention with weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured prior to the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours (+/- 3 hours) following the intervention. The participant will first place their foot on a 16-inch box to assist in performance of the intervention by the therapist. A licensed physical therapist (PT) will then stabilize the talus for a proper joint mobilization to be performed. The therapist will then mobilize the distal tib/fib in the posterior to anterior direction at end range DF reached through a forward lunge, using a Mulligan's mobilization belt around the distal tibia-fibula. The participant will perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions of the forward lunge and the PT will perform a bout of overpressure at end range during each repetition. Two other investigators will be on either side of participant to assist with balance during the intervention if needed.

Weight bearing lunge test

The Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) will be used to measure closed chain dorsiflexion in participants. A bubble inclinometer will be placed 15 cm below the tibial tuberosity for measurement during the WBLT. Participants will place their foot on a line on the floor which is perpendicular to the wall to help maintain alignment. The participant's heel will be stabilized by an examiner, and they will then be instructed to lunge forward so that their knee reaches a vertical line on the wall. The measurement will then be taken using the inclinometer placed at 15 cm below the tibial tuberosity. The examiner stabilizing the heel will hold the inclinometer in place, while another examiner ensures proper placement of the inclinometer and takes the reading. The WBLT will be completed twice and the average of the two measurements will be taken.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Mobilization with movement

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

All participants will receive the MWM intervention with weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured prior to the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours (+/- 3 hours) following the intervention. The participant will first place their foot on a 16-inch box to assist in performance of the intervention by the therapist. A licensed physical therapist (PT) will then stabilize the talus for a proper joint mobilization to be performed. The therapist will then mobilize the distal tib/fib in the posterior to anterior direction at end range DF reached through a forward lunge, using a Mulligan's mobilization belt around the distal tibia-fibula. The participant will perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions of the forward lunge and the PT will perform a bout of overpressure at end range during each repetition. Two other investigators will be on either side of participant to assist with balance during the intervention if needed.

Interventions

Mobilization with movement

All participants will receive the MWM intervention with weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured prior to the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 24 hours (+/- 3 hours) following the intervention. The participant will first place their foot on a 16-inch box to assist in performance of the intervention by the therapist. A licensed physical therapist (PT) will then stabilize the talus for a proper joint mobilization to be performed. The therapist will then mobilize the distal tib/fib in the posterior to anterior direction at end range DF reached through a forward lunge, using a Mulligan's mobilization belt around the distal tibia-fibula. The participant will perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions of the forward lunge and the PT will perform a bout of overpressure at end range during each repetition. Two other investigators will be on either side of participant to assist with balance during the intervention if needed.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• The sole inclusion criterion will be a limitation in active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion to less than 20 degrees in weight bearing in one or both ankles.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

University of South Carolina

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Cathy Arnot

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Cathy F Arnot, DPT

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University of South Carolina

Locations

Blatt Physical education Building

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

United States

Central Contacts

Cathy F Arnot, DPT

Role: CONTACT

arnot@mailbox.sc.edu

8032402455

Facility Contacts

Cathy F Arnot, DPT

Role: primary

arnot@mailbox.sc.edu

803-240-2455

Other Identifiers

Pro00125551

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id