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A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability
Published on: October 28, 2022
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Does joint mobilization effectively improve chronic ankle instability ? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Qimei Jiang1, Xiaoping Zhou1, Rubing Yan1
1Department of Rehabilitation, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
Frontiers in Medicine
|January 30, 2026
Summary
Joint mobilization (JM) effectively improves ankle function and range of motion (ROM) in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, JM did not show significant improvements in pain levels for CAI patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common condition affecting athletic and non-athletic individuals.
- Limited evidence exists on the efficacy of specific interventions like joint mobilization (JM) for CAI.
- Systematic evaluation is needed to understand JM's role in managing CAI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of joint mobilization (JM) for improving outcomes in chronic ankle instability (CAI).
- To assess the impact of JM on ankle function, pain, and range of motion (ROM) in CAI patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across six major databases up to March 10, 2025.
- Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on JM interventions for CAI.
- Primary outcome: ankle function (CAIT); Secondary outcomes: pain and ROM. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
Main Results:
- Eight RCTs involving 318 subjects with CAI were included in the meta-analysis.
- Joint mobilization significantly improved ankle function (SMD = 1.62) and ROM (SMD = 1.18) in CAI patients.
- No significant difference was found in ankle pain reduction (SMD = -0.27) between JM and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Joint mobilization is an effective treatment for enhancing ankle function and ROM in individuals suffering from chronic ankle instability.
- JM does not appear to significantly alleviate pain associated with chronic ankle instability.
- Further research may explore combined therapies to address pain in CAI.
Keywords:
chronic ankle instabilityjoint mobilizationmeta-analysisrandomized controlled trialssystematic reviewMore Related Videos
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