Effect of finding-oriented manual therapy techniques on muscle activity and postural control in patients with chronic ankle instability - A randomized controlled feasibility study. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rogan, Slavko; Taeymans, Jan; Eggertswyler, Beatrice; Zuber, Stefan; Eichelberger, Patric
• Is Part Of: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. Volume 27(2021)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 409
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Feasibility study -- Musculoskeletal manipulations -- Postural balance -- Electromyography; Massage -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8592

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Previous studies have analyzed the effects of manual therapy techniques (MTT) in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Clinicians treat patients according the finding-oriented MTT approach. This approach is seldom pursued in research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of finding-oriented MTT applications in patients with CAI. Method: In this randomized controlled, blinded assessor crossover feasibility trial, participants were randomized to receive nine finding-oriented MTT treatments or no treatment during a three-week period, followed by a six-day washout period after which participants were crossed-over. Criteria under evaluation were adherence and attrition rates, safety (adverse events (AEs)) and acceptability and preliminary effects of finding-oriented MTT on muscular activity (measured by surface Electromyography (sEMG)) and on dynamic balance (measured by time to stabilization (TTS) and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (modified STBT)). Results: Seven women and two men (mean age: 26 ± 6.1 years) with CAI enrolled in this feasibility study. Success criteria showed a high adherence (90%) and low attrition rate (10%). All data could be used for analysis. AEs such as tingling in the foot during a short time frame were reported after four finding-oriented MTT interventions. Preliminary effect sizes showed divergence and few statistically significant results for sEMG. Conclusion: The participants were adherent to the finding-oriented MTT intervention. The acceptability of data recording and data analysis was good. In addition, the study protocol should be adapted by adding a 10-min warm up period, a participant familiarization to TTS and modified STBT, and test repetitions.