Immediate Effects of Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation on Neurodynamic Mobility.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of thoracic spine thrust manipulation (TSM) on the upper limb provocation test (ULPT) and seated slump test (SST) in individuals with identified neurodynamic mobility impairments. A secondary aim was to determine if correlation existed between the perception of effect and improvements in neurodynamic mobility following a thrust manipulation compared with mobilization.

Methods: A pretest-posttest experimental design randomized 48 adults into 2 groups: TSM or mobilization.

Bilateral improvements in lower extremity function after unilateral balance training in individuals with chronic ankle instability.

Context: Bilateral improvements in postural control have been reported among individuals with acute lateral ankle sprains and individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) when only the unstable ankle is rehabilitated. We do not know if training the stable ankle will improve function on the unstable side.

Objective: To explore the effects of a unilateral balance-training program on bilateral lower extremity balance and function in individuals with CAI when only the stable limb is trained.

The effect of a 4-week comprehensive rehabilitation program on postural control and lower extremity function in individuals with chronic ankle instability.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To examine the effects of a 4-week rehabilitation program for chronic ankle instability (CAI) on postural control and lower extremity function.

Background: CAI is associated with residual symptoms, performance deficits, and reinjury.

Simplifying the star excursion balance test: analyses of subjects with and without chronic ankle instability.

Study Design: Case control study.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are: (1) to perform factor analyses on data from the 8 components of the star excursion balance test (SEBT) in subjects with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI) in an effort to reduce the number of components of the SEBT, (2) to assess the relationships between performance of the different reach directions using correlation analyses, and (3) to determine which components of the SEBT are most affected by CAI.

Background: The SEBT is a series of 8 lower-extremity-reaching tasks purported to be useful in identifying lower extremity functional deficits.

Reliability and Sensitivity of the Foot and Ankle Disability Index in Subjects With Chronic Ankle Instability.

Context: Despite the importance of patient's subjective reports of function, little research has addressed their use in the athletic population.Objective: To examine the following measurement properties of the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and the FADI Sport: (1) intersession reliability during 1- and 6-week intervals, (2) sensitivity to differences between healthy subjects and subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI), and (3) sensitivity to changes in function in those with CAI after rehabilitation.Design: Test-retest design.