• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.87-95
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of talus stability taping during gastrocnemius stretching on ankle passive dorsiflexion, talus posterior glide, and balance in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Fifteen subjects (eight males and seven females) with limited ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study. Ankle passive dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), talus posterior glide, and the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) were measured pre-stretching, after applying gastrocnemius stretching (GS), and after applying gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping (GSTST). The two types of stretching were performed at random. Results: Ankle passive dorsiflexion ROM was significantly increased by both types of stretching (p < 0.05), and ROM was significantly more increased post-GSTST than post-GS (p < 0.05). In addition, talus posterior glide was significantly increased post-GSTST than pre-stretching and post-GS (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between post-GS and pre-stretching (p > 0.05). YBT-LQ score was significantly increased post-GSTST than pre-stretching (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping is an effective method for subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion to improve ankle passive dorsiflexion, talus posterior gliding, and balance.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.223-231
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• 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in ankle muscle strength, range of motion (ROM) dorsiflexion, and gastrocnemius flexibility following gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Fifteen subjects (all males) with limited ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study for six weeks. Ankle muscle strength, ankle passive dorsiflexion ROM, and gastrocnemius flexibility were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength and passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM were significantly increased post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p < 0.05). Gastrocnemius flexibility was significantly improved post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping can be recommended for subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion to increase passive ankle dorsiflexion, flexibility, and ankle muscle strength.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.70-78
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• 2022

Background: Individuals with calf muscle shortening may have decreased dynamic balance. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of mobilization with movement (MWM) and myofascial release (MFR) on kinematic changes in dynamic balance in individuals with calf muscle shortening. Methods: Thirteen participants were randomly assigned to the MWM or the mobilization with movement added myofascial release (MWM-MFR) group. The MWM group received treatment with only MWM, whereas the MWM-MFR group was treated with MWM and MFR. Pre- and post-intervention passive range of motion (PROM), maximum reaching lengths, and modified star excursion balance test (MSEBT) results were compared for all participants. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed significant within-group differences in ankle PROM, but no significant between-group differences. The maximum reaching length in the MWM-MFR group in the posterolateral direction was significantly different before and after the intervention (p = 0.005). This group also showed significantly reduced ankle abduction in MSEBT during the posteromedial direction section 3 (p = 0.007) and posterolateral direction section 5 (p = 0.049) compared with the MWM group. Conclusion: Combined MWM and MFR intervention improves ankle stability in the coronal plane during the posteromedial and posterolateral forward movement in dynamic balance compared with only MWM in individuals with calf shortening.