Four-week training involving self-ankle mobilization with movement versus calf muscle stretching in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled study

Background: In self-ankle mobilization with movement (S-MWM) therapy, a strap can be utilized to stabilize the posterior glide of the talus during ankle dorsiflexion movements. Objectives: Our objective was to compare the effects of 4-week self-mobilization with movement (S-MWM) with those of calf muscle stretching (CMS) on ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion (DF-PROM), gait parameters, and fall risk in patients with chronic stroke with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Participants were randomized into the S-MWM (n = 19) and CMS groups (n = 19). Both groups received conventional physiotherapy for 30 minutes per session. In addition, S-MWM and CMS techniques were performed 3 times per week for 4 weeks and were performed by the participants themselves. Ankle DF-PROM, gait parameters, and fall risk were measured after 4 weeks of training. Results: After 4 weeks of training, both groups showed significant improvement in all outcome measures (p < .05). Furthermore, ankle DF-PROM, gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, and stride lengths on both sides), and fall risk showed greater improvement in the S-MWM group than in the CMS group (p < .05). Conclusions: This study shows that S-MWM training combined with conventional physiotherapy improved ankle DF-PROM, gait parameters, and fall risk in patients with chronic stroke.