J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Jul-Aug; 25(6): 384-90.

The effect of talocrural joint manipulation on range of motion at the ankle.

Fryer GA, Mudge JM, McLaughlin PA.

School of Health Sciences, City Campus, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a single high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust manipulation to the talocrural joint altered ankle range of motion. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled and blinded study. SUBJECTS: Asymptomatic male and female volunteers (N = 41). METHODS: Subjects were randomly assigned into either an experimental group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 21). Both ankles of subjects in the experimental group were manipulated by using a single high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to the talocrural joint. Pretest and posttest measurements of passive dorsiflexion range of motion were taken. RESULTS: No significant changes in dorsiflexion range of motion were detected between manipulated ankles and those of control subjects. A significantly greater pretest dorsiflexion range of motion existed in those ankles in which manipulation produced an audible cavitation. CONCLUSION: Manipulation of the ankle does not increase dorsiflexion range of motion in asymptomatic subjects. Ankles that displayed a greater pretest range of dorsiflexion were more likely to cavitate, raising the possibility that ligament laxity may be associated with the tendency for ankles to cavitate.