The Affects of Talar Mobilization on Functional Tests in Individuals without Previous History of Ankle Sprains and Those with Chronic Ankle Instability

Introduction: The ankle has been reported to be the most frequently injured joint during physical activity and sport [1]. It has also been documented as the most frequently occurring injury in the United States: 1 in 10,000 people or 25,000 sprains per day [2]. One quarter of individuals are unable to attend school or work for more than 7 days [3]. Resulting in “an estimated 1.2 million physician visits per year, at a cost of $835–$1206 per patient with an annual cost of 3.8 billion dollars” [4]. Chronic Ankle instability has been defined as a reoccurrence of signs or symptoms after a first time lateral ankle sprain / strain has resolved. Signs and symptoms can include weakness, pain, swelling, another sprain, and feelings of giving out. Individuals with chronic ankle instability have a decrease in the range of dorsiflexion [5] [6]. The reoccurence of ankle sprains have been found to be in the range of 20 – 74% depending on the source [7] [2] and conservative treatment is preferred over surgical interventions [7]. It has also been found that the talus of the injured limb of individuals was located in an anterior position relative to the tibia in comparison to uninjured limb [2]. In order to achieve maximal dorsiflexion the talus must slide posteriorly on the tibia [5]. Thus the treatment of these injuries via mobilizations in an anterior to posterior direction applied to the talus resulted in statistically significant increase in talocrural joint range of motion [6].