Foot and ankle ability measure scores in patients with chronic ankle instability following joint mobilization

Context: Following joint mobilizations, individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have reported increased self-reported function as measured by the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Objective: To examine the effect of a 2-week talocrural joint mobilization intervention on individual items of the FAAM in physically active adults with CAI. Participants: Twelve adults with CAI. Intervention: Self-reported function was documented with the FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sport at preintervention and at 1-week postintervention. The joint mobilization intervention consisted of six treatments over 2 weeks. During each treatment, subjects received 4 minutes of talocrural traction and 8 minutes of Maitland Grade-III anterior-to-posterior talocrural joint mobilization. Main Outcome Measure: Participants completed the 21-item FAAM-ADL and 8-item FAAMSport. Results: Significant changes were detected between preintervention and 1-week follow-up measures for "Walking on even ground" (p = 0.06), "Going down stairs" (p = 0.07), "Walking on uneven ground" (p = 0.03), "Light to moderate work" (p = 0.06), "Heavy work" (p = 0.03), "Recreational activity" (p = 0.07), "Landing" (p = 0.03), "Low impact activities" (p = 0.07), and "Cutting" (p = 0.02). No significant changes were identified in the other 20 items (p > 0.10). Conclusion: The findings suggest talocrural joint mobilization may address specific mechanical and functional impairments associated with the aforementioned tasks during physical activity.