The effectiveness of mobilization with movement on pain, balance and function following acute and sub acute inversion ankle sprain – A randomized, placebo controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of mobilization with movement (MWM) on pain, ankle mobility and function in patients with acute and sub-acute grade I and II inversion ankle sprain. Study designRandomized placebo controlled trial. SettingA general hospital. Subjects32 adults with inversion ankle sprain. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was pain intensity on an 11 point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) with higher score indicating greater pain intensity. Ankle disability identified by the Foot and Ankle Disability index (FADI) with higher score indicating lower disability, functional ankle dorsiflexion range, pressure pain threshold, and dynamic balance measured with the Y balance test were secondary outcomes. ResultsThirty participants completed the study. At each follow-up point, significant differences were found between groups favouring those receiving MWM for all variables. Pain intensity showed a mean difference of 1.7 points (95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 2.1) and 0.9 points (95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 1.3) at one and six-months follow-up respectively. Benefits were also shown for FADI, ankle mobility, pressure pain threshold and balance. ConclusionThis study provides preliminary data for the benefits of MWM for acute and sub-acute ankle sprain in terms of pain, ankle mobility, disability and balance.