Ankle-Joint Self-Mobilization and CrossFit Training in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Context Ankle-joint mobilization and neuromuscular and strength training have been deemed beneficial in the management of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). CrossFit training is a sport modality that involves these techniques. Objective To determine and compare the influence of adding self-mobilization of the ankle joint to CrossFit training versus CrossFit alone or no intervention in patients with CAI. Design Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Seventy recreational athletes with CAI were randomly allocated to either self-mobilization plus CrossFit training, CrossFit training alone, or a control group. Intervention(s) Participants in the self-mobilization plus CrossFit group and the CrossFit training-alone group pursued a CrossFit training program twice a week for 12 weeks. The self-mobilization plus CrossFit group performed an ankle self-mobilization protocol before their CrossFit training, and the control group received no intervention. Main Outcome Measure(s) Ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), subjective feeling of instability, and dynamic postural control were assessed via the weight-bearing lunge test, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. Results After 12 weeks of the intervention, both the self-mobilization plus CrossFit and CrossFit training-alone groups improved compared with the control group (P < .001). The self-mobilization plus CrossFit intervention was superior to the CrossFit training-alone intervention regarding ankle DFROM as well as the posterolateral- and posteromedial-reach distances of the SEBT but not for the anterior-reach distance of the SEBT or the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Conclusions Ankle-joint self-mobilization and CrossFit training were effective in improving ankle DFROM, dynamic postural control and self-reported instability in patients with CAI.

Effectiveness of the Rehabilitation Training Combined with Maitland Mobilization for the Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In the following two years, they would continue to suffer from symptoms such as decreased ankle range of movement, decreased muscle strength, proprioception abnormality, and decreased excitability of the nervous system, which weakened lower limb function and raised the risk of re-injury [ 57 , 58 ]. After the first injury, the recurrence rate is as high as 80% [ 54 ]. That is why the main purpose of the intervention is to increase the ankle range of movement, improve the nerve conduction capacity, enhance muscle strength and improve dynamic balance control.…”

Comparison of Thrust Manipulation versus Non-Thrust Mobilization on Functional Deficit in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Sprain; A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…7,8 Several trials examined the effects of the clinical use of MWM for rehabilitation in the case of ankle sprains but no study has thoroughly studied the therapeutic advantages. 9,10 Ho Jin Shin et al found that following an ankle sprain, the talus and distal part of the fibula was anteriorly displaced, the proximal part of the fibula was posteriorly displaced and the dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) was diminished in athletes with CAI, manual therapy at the joint of ankle, including mobilization and thrust-manipulation techniques has been proven to enhance pain relief, DFROM and dynamic balance whereas the specific manual therapy mechanism is difficult & unknown. 11 Shi X Han (2019) discovered that six sessions of manual therapy, rather than one improve the ankle functional performance in patients with CAI.…”

Evaluating the effects of embedded self-massage practice on strength performance: A randomized crossover pilot trial

“…Over the last decade, SMR has become increasingly popular in fitness communities. CrossFit® athletes (CrossFit, Inc, Washingtion, DC, USA), for instance, regularly use SMR as part of their training routines to improve joint mobility [ 11 , 19 ]. Athletes are in control of the pressure, speed, frequency and other fine adjustments when performing SMR routines, which might account for their popularity.…”

“…SMR represents a simple and cost-effective conditioning approach, increasingly used as part of warm-up and post-workout recovery routines and, occasionally, embedded within training sessions [6][7][8][9]. Although physiological processes underlying the benefits of SMR remain poorly understood, SMR interventions have practical relevance in actual training contexts compared to static stretching [1,[10][11][12][13][14]. Pre-workout SMR interventions were associated with increased range of motion (ROM) without hindering forthcoming athletic performances such as jump height or performance across repeated sprints [15][16][17].…”