Restrictions in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) have been associated with decreased posterior talar glide in individuals with an acute lateral ankle sprain. Talocrural joint mobilizations may be used to restore joint arthrokinematics. Our purpose was to examine the effects of a single bout of anterior to posterior (AP) talocrural joint mobilization on self-reported function, dorsiflexion ROM, and posterior talar translation in individuals with an acute lateral ankle sprain. This single-blinded, randomized controlled trial utilized 17 volunteers (nine treatment and eight control) with an acute lateral ankle sprain (grade I/II) who were immobilized for a period of 1-7 days. The treatment group received a single 30-second bout of grade III AP talocrural joint mobilization the day their immobilization device was removed, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Active dorsiflexion ROM and posterior talar translation were assessed before, immediately after, and 24 hours after receipt of the treatment or control interventions. Self-reported function and pain were assessed before and 24 hours after the receipt of the treatment or control interventions using the foot and ankle disability index. Collectively all groups demonstrated improved dorsiflexion ROM and self-reported function. There was a significant decrease in pain perception at 24-hour follow-up for the treatment group. A single bout of AP talocrural joint mobilizations may not have an immediate effect on ankle dorsiflexion ROM, posterior talar translation, or self-reported function; however, they may have an immediate effect on pain perception in individuals with an acute lateral ankle sprain.

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Our findings suggest that postural control and quality of movement were affected negatively after a GMed-fatiguing exercise. At similar levels of local muscle fatigue, men and women had similar measurements of postural control.

Clinical Scenario: The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee joint by preventing anterior translation of the femur in the closed kinetic chain. A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament may require reconstructive surgery for patients who wish to return to physical activity. For the most part, surgeries are successful at repairing the ruptured ligament and restoring ligamentous function; the percentage of athletes that return to a competitive level of physical activity is only 44%, and 24% of patients report a main factor of preventing their return is fear of reinjury and pain. Most physiotherapy and rehabilitation research has focused on the physical treatment and is limited on the psychological aspects of recovery. Imagery has been suggested to be effective at reducing anxiety, tension, and pain, while promoting and encouraging healing after an injury. Imagery is defined as a process of performing a skill in one's mind using the senses (touch, feel, smell, vision, etc) without any overt actions. Clinical Question: In athletes who are first-time anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients, does imagery training in combination with standard physical therapy reduce the fear of reinjury and pain perception? Summary of Key Findings: Previous research has primarily looked at the physical treatment aspect, and few studies have focused on the psychological factors affecting recovery. Researchers concluded that fear of reinjury was the unique predictor of return to sport even in a sample of participants that reported very little or almost no pain at all. Imagery as a therapy is an effective intervention in reducing fear of reinjury and confidence building. Furthermore, mental imagery is suggested to assist with a reduction in anxiety, pain, and tension, while promoting healing. Clinical Bottom Line: Based on the strength of recommendation taxonomy, there is a combination of level A and B evidence proposing that imagery, in combination with traditional physical therapy, can be effective at reducing psychological distress such as fear of reinjury and pain perception in first-time anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients.Keywords: knee joint, psychology, rehabilitation, sport psychology Clinical ScenarioInjuries are an inevitable part of competitive sports as well as recreational activities. Research shows that one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints that accounts for approximately 48 out of 1000 patients is knee-related injury. 1 As noted, approximately 9% of these knee complaints are related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. 2,3 The ACL is commonly injured in contact sports by a noncontact action, such as planting, cutting, landing on a hyperextended knee, or pivoting and sudden deceleration. 4 Typically, athletes report feeling immediate pain and hearing a pop, resulting in progressive knee swelling and difficulty ambulating. The ACL is one of the major ligaments that provides stability to the knee joint by preventing anterior translation of t...

Restrictions in posterior talar glide may lead to decreases in dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM). Restricted posterior talar glide and dorsiflexion ROM have been described in the literature, but little is known about the relationships between them. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between 4 dorsiflexion ROM measurements and talar glide as measured manually by the posterior talar glide test (PTGT) and posterior talar displacement as measured by an arthrometer. Forty-seven participants were enrolled in the study. Measures included posterior talar glide assessed manually, posterior talar displacement assessed with an arthrometer, and dorsiflexion ROM in 4 different positions. Relationships between measures ranged from weak to moderate, with the strongest relationship occurring between dorsiflexion ROM in the standing position and the PTGT. Techniques that maximize total available ROM and clinical assessment tools that can detect arthrokinematic restrictions could be valuable for clinicians.