Changes in kinetic, kinematic, and temporal parameters of walking in people with limited ankle dorsiflexion: pre-post application of modified mobilization with movement using talus glide taping.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), maximum plantar force, force-time integral, and time to heel off during walking between pre- and postapplication of modified mobilization with movement (MWM) using talus glide taping in people with limited ankle dorsiflexion.

METHODS

Eighteen feet with limited ankle dorsiflexion in 13 people were examined. Participants performed 3 different walking tasks in the following order: walking before and immediately after applying the modified MWM using talus glide taping and walking after 5-minute walking with the modified MWM using talus glide taping. A floor-mat pressure measurement system (HR-mat) was used to measure maximum plantar force, force-time integral, and time to heel off; and passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM was measured using a standard goniometer. The significance of differences was assessed using repeated one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM and time to heel off were significantly increased after 5-minute walking with the modified MWM using talus glide taping compared with walking before and immediately after applying the tape. Significantly increased maximum plantar force and force-time integral on the hindfoot and significantly decreased force-time integral on the forefoot during walking after 5-minute walking were observed with the modified MWM using talus glide taping compared with before applying the tape. No significant difference between before and immediately after applying the tape was observed in any variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that walking an additional 5-minute with the modified MWM using talus glide taping increased passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM and time to heel off and improved dynamic plantar loading during walking.