Effect of ankle joint mobilization on range of motion and functional balance of elderly adults

Abstract

[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the effect of mobilization of the ankle joint in elderly adults on range of motion and functional balance of elderly adults. [Methods] Thirty-three healthy elderly adults were randomly allocated to two groups: the mobilization (MT) group and the control (CT) group, comprised of 18 and 15 subjects respectively. Traction, anterior gliding and posterior gliding of the talocrural joint were performed in the MT group, whereas no intervention was made in the CT group. [Results] The average change of ankle ROM was 7.02° in the MT group and -0.08° in the CT group, showing a significant difference (F=52.67). The average change of execution time in the OLB test was 6.88 seconds in the MT group and -0.49 seconds in the CT group, showing a significant difference (F=107.33). The average change of execution time in the TUG test was -2.88 seconds in the MT group and -0.34 seconds in the CT group, showing a significant difference (F=36.44). The average change of reaching distance in the LR test was 13.61 mm in the MT group and 0.48 mm in the CT group, also showing a significant difference (F=11.13). [Conclusion] We presume that mobilization of the ankle joint of elderly adults increases range of motion and improves functional balance.