The influence of gastrocnemius stretching combined with joint mobilization on weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gastrocnemius stretching combined with talocrural joint mobilization on weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion. [Subjects] Eleven male subjects with bilateral limited ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion with knee extended participated in this study. [Methods] All subjects received talocrural joint mobilization while performing gastrocnemius stretching. Ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion was measured using an inclinometer under weight-bearing conditions before and immediately after intervention. A paired t-test was used to analyze the difference between weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion pre- and post-intervention. [Results] A significant increase in weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion was found post-intervention compared with pre-intervention. [Conclusion] These findings demonstrate that gastrocnemius stretching combined with joint mobilization is effective for increasing weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion.