Effect Of Different Joint Mobilization On Balance Ability Of Patients With Functional Ankle Instability

Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) is mainly characterized by recurrent ankle sprains, decreased postural control ability, and limited joint mobility. Joint mobilization techniques can improve ankle joint mobility, postural control, and balance ability. However, different joint mobilization techniques have varied methods and effects, leading to significant controversy in related studies. PURPOSE: To compare the intervention effects of Maitland and Mulligan joint mobilization techniques on the balance ability of patients with functional ankle instability. METHODS:A total of 30 patients with unilateral FAI were recruited and randomly divided into the Maitland group and the Mulligan group. There were 13 subjects in the Maitland group (20.00±1.58y;CAIT: 12.46±2.37), and 13 subjects in the Mulligan group (20.38±0.77y; CAIT: 12.69±2.81).Maitland group: Long axis traction from talocrural joint; Maitland III manipulations were used to slide Subtalar joint forward/backward and medial/lateral respectively.Mulligan group: loosening of tibiofibular joint; The talocrural joint is loose.The simplified version of Star excursion balance test (SEBT) tests the dynamic balance ability with three directions .The Micro Swing posture control test platform was used to evaluate the subjects' posture control ability .Paired t-test and independent sample t-test were used for comparison. RESULTS:After 6 weeks of intervention, the improvement effect of SEBT-A in the Maitland group was better than in the Mulligan group (t = 2.495, P = 0.02, 95% CI [1.043, 11.037]). The improvement effect of the Coordination factor in the Mulligan group was better than in the Maitland group (t = 2.578, p = 0.016, 95% CI [3.589, 32.380]),as shown in Figure 1. CONCLUSION:After six weeks of intervention by Maitland and Mulligan, the improvement effect of the Mulligan group is better than that of the Maitland group.