The Influence of Ankle Joint Mobilization on ROM of the Ankle Joint and Maintenance of Equilibrium in Elderly Women

Abstract

[Purpose] Small changes in equilibrium while walking or standing up can lead to loss of balance for elderly people, who have relatively low activity levels compared to normal adults. This paper examined the effect of ankle joint mobilization on the ankle joint range of motion (ROM) and maintenance of equilibrium in elderly women who have decreased ankle joint mobility. [Subjects] We divided the study subjects into 2 groups: ankle joint mobilization group (AJMG) (n=20) and control group (CG) (n=20). [Methods] The AJMG received 20-minute Maitland joint mobilization sessions three times a week for four weeks. The ROM of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion and equilibrium maintenance during quiet standing were measured before and after the mobilization procedure. [Results] There was a significant improvement in the ankle joint ROM and ability to maintain equilibrium among the AJMG members before and after the intervention. [Conclusion] The Ankle ROM and ability to maintain equilibrium in elderly women improved after ankle joint mobilization.