The influence of fascial manipulation on function, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and postural sway in individuals with chronic ankle instability

Background: Proprioceptive deficits may attribute to functional Chronic ankle instability (CAI) with impairments in balance and postural control. Physical therapy interventions such as taping, bracing, manual therapy, and balance training play an essential role in managing ankle instabilities. Fascial Manipulation (FM) is a manual therapy technique considered to restore function by improving the joint range of motion and proprioception. However, the effects of FM on Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM) and postural sway in athletes with chronic ankle instability are unclear. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of FM on function, ADROM, and Postural sway in athletes with CAI. Design: Single group, pretest-posttest design. Methods: Individuals with a history of recurrent ankle sprains with the Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) score of ≤27 were included. FM was applied to the painful and densified center of coordination points on the lower limb myofascial lines based on Stecco's FM method. The outcomes measures include Foot and ankle disability index (FADI), ADROM during the weight-bearing lunge, and postural sway (excursion of the center of pressure during single limb stance). Results: There was a significant improvement in the FADI scores (Z = −3.626, p < 0.05), ADROM [F (2)=38.056, p<0.05], ηp ² = 0.69 following FM. However, the center of pressure excursion with both opened and closed eyes showed no differences following FM. Conclusion: Since fascial manipulation had shown improvement in the function and ankle dorsiflexion range, it can be used as an adjunct treatment strategy in CAI management.