The effect of additional joint mobilization on neuromuscular performance in individuals with functional ankle instability.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of joint mobilization and exercise training on neuromuscular performance in individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty five subjects with FAI were randomized into three groups: control (CG, n = 15, 27.9 ±â€¯6.6yr), training (TG, n = 15, 26.9 ±â€¯5.8yr) and mobilization with training group (MTG, n = 15, 26.5 ±â€¯4.8yr). INTERVENTION: Four weeks of neuromuscular training for TG; neuromuscular training and joint mobilization for MTG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Electromyography of the peroneus longus (PL), tibialis anterior (TA), and soleus (SOL) and the reaching distance of the Y balance test (YBT), dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT), and global rating scale (GRS). Two-way repeated measures MANOVA were used with the significance level p < .05. RESULTS: MANOVA found significant group by time interactions on posterolateral reaching distance (p = .032), PL activation (p = .006-.03), DFROM (p < .001), CAIT (p < .001) and GRS (p < .001). The post hoc tests indicated significantly improved PL muscle activity and posterolateral reaching distance for MTG compared to TG (p = .004) and CG (p = .006). CONCLUSION: Joint mobilization resulted in additional benefits on self-reported ankle instability severity, dorsiflexion mobility, and posterolateral balance performance in individuals with FAI, but its effects on general improvement, muscle activation, and other balance tasks remained uncertain.