Acute Effects of Posterior Talar Glide Mobilization

Hasan Kalyoncu University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Ankle Dorsiflexion; Range of Motion; Mobilization; Walking Speed, Mesh id D000072797

Treatments: Other: Sham Group; Other: Posterior Talar Glide Mobilization

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07493083

2026/044

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute effects of posterior talar glide mobilisation on dorsiflexion range of motion wieght bearing (measured using the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test) and walking speed, using a randomised, sham-controlled study design.

Full description

Walking is a fundamental component of daily living activities and depends on adequate range of motion and coordination in the lower limb joints. The ankle joint plays a significant role in regulating stride length and walking speed by allowing the tibia to move forward, particularly during the stance phase of the gait cycle. In this process, sufficient ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is considered critical for maintaining a functional and fluid walking pattern. It has been reported that measurements taken under load (weight-bearing dorsiflexion) better reflect functional activities when assessing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) is a valid and reliable method widely preferred in clinical practice, enabling the assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range under load. It is thought that restricted dorsiflexion range under load may lead to compensatory mechanisms such as early heel lift, reduced step length and decreased walking speed during walking. However, it appears that the relationship between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion under load and walking speed in healthy individuals has not been sufficiently clarified. From the perspective of talocrural joint mechanics, the talus bone must perform a posterior glide movement during dorsiflexion. Restriction in this posterior glide movement is considered one of the mechanical factors limiting dorsiflexion range. Posterior talar glide mobilisations are among the non-invasive manual therapy approaches frequently used in clinical practice, aimed at improving talocrural joint mechanics and increasing dorsiflexion range. Whilst studies examining the acute effects of these mobilisations on dorsiflexion range of motion exist in the literature, findings regarding whether this mechanical change is reflected in walking speed-a functional outcome-are limited. Therefore, establishing the relationship between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion under load and walking speed, and evaluating the acute effects of posterior talar glide mobilisation on these mechanical parameters using a sham-controlled design, is of importance from both clinical and biomechanical perspectives. The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute effects of posterior talar glide mobilisation on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion weight bearing (measured using the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test) and walking speed, using a randomised, sham-controlled study design.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Participants aged between 18 and 45,
• Participants who have agreed to take part in the study on a voluntary basis,
• Participants with no history of lower limb surgery

Exclusion criteria

• Those with acute ankle pain or inflammation,
• Those with ankle instability,
• Those with a history of lower limb surgery within the last 6 months,
• Those with balance or vestibular disorders,
• Those with chronic conditions,

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Mobilization Group

Experimental group

Description:

Movement Combined with Weight-Shifting Mobilisation: A non-elastic band is secured between the patient's distal leg and the therapist's waist. Mobilisation begins with the patient standing in a comfortable upright position. The therapist applies a continuous posteroanterior gliding force to the tibia via the band by shifting their weight backwards. This technique functionally mimics the posterior glide mechanism of the talus. The participant is asked to perform a slow dorsiflexion to the end of the range of motion. During this, the therapist maintains the posterior glide stimulus on the talus. Once the end point is reached, the glide force is maintained for 10 seconds. One set of 10 repetitions of mobilisation is performed. \- Movement Combined with Mobilisation Without Weight-bearing The ankle is stabilised using a non-elastic band, and the therapist applies a posterior glide to the talus. During the posterior glide, the foot is supported by the forearm or leg.

Treatment:

Other: Posterior Talar Glide Mobilization

Sham Group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Both mobilisation techniques and positions were explained to the participants; however, although the therapist positioned the ankle in the glide position, no sliding movement was performed, and the ankle was held in that position for 10 seconds. Posterior talar glide mobilisation and dorsiflexion measurements were performed on both the affected and unaffected ankles. All measurements will be repeated three times-once before and three times after treatment-and the average values will be recorded.

Treatment:

Other: Sham Group