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EFFECTS OF ANKLE JOINT MOBILIZATION WITH MOVEMENT AND WEIGHT-BEARING EXERCISE ON KNEE EXTENSORS STRENGTH, ANKLE RANGE OF MOTION AND BALANCE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC STROKE

1.Fatima Tahir,2.Madiha Saba,3.Anam Raza,4.Nighat shamshad,5.Rida Fatima

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ABSTRACT 

Objective:To investigate the effects of ankle joint mobilization with movement on knee extensors strength, ankle range of motion, balance and compare with weight-bearing exercise in stroke patients. 

Methodology: Thirty patients with chronic stroke (6-8 weeks after stroke) were divided into two groups: A (mobilization with movement group) n=15, B (weight bearing exercise group) n =15.Both groups attend physical therapy session three times a week for 4 weeks. Subjects randomly allocated by simple coin draw method in to group A, performed dorsiflexion of ankle joint in weight-bearing position and therapist simultaneously apply anterior glide with belt on ankle joint whilst participants in group B, performed weight-bearing exercise only without mobilization. Knee extensors strength, ankle range of motion and balance were evaluated before and after interventions by manual muscle testing, universal goniometer and berg balance scale.  

Results: Knee extensors strength and balance increased significantly in both groups. However active and passive range of motion only increased significantly in group A.  

Conclusion: Ankle joint mobilization with movement is more effective technique than simple weight-bearing intervention in improving range of motion in patients with chronic stroke with limited ankle motion. 

Key words:Exercise program, weight bearing, Range of Motion, Balance