Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the immediate effects of a combined talocrural and proximal tibiofibular manipulation on ankle dorsiflexion with a control as well as with the effects of manipulation of each joint in isolation.
Method: The study consisted of 100 asymptomatic participants. The participants were divided into four groups each comprising 25. Participants had to meet the inclusion criteria to be considered for the study and also had to present with no contra-indications for peripheral manipulation.
Procedure: Group 1 received a single talocrural manipulation. Group 2 received a single proximal tibiofibular manipulation. Group 3 received both a talocrural as well as proximal tibiofibular manipulation. Group 4 did not receive any intervention and served as the control group. The talocrural dorsiflexion was measured using the weight-bearing lunge test. Measurements were taken prior to the intervention and immediately afterwards. The data was recorded by the researcher. Once the trials were completed, the results were sent to STATKON to be analysed.
Results: The manipulated limbs of Groups 1, 2 and 3 all showed an increase in ankle dorsiflexion. Group 3 showed the biggest improvement. Group 4 showed no statistically significant improvement.
Conclusion: It was found that all the groups that received intervention in the form of joint manipulation improved. Statistically, they had the same improvement, yet clinically it appeared that Group 3 had some additive effect. Although an increase was also noted in the unmanipulated limbs, such an increase across all analyses of unmanipulated limbs was so small it can be argued to be negligible. It could be said that manipulation of the proximal tibiofibular joint, talocrural joint or both has an immediate increase in dorsiflexion of the ankle.
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)