Riassunto dello studio

Sixty-four patients with chronic ankle instability were randomized to receive either conventional rehabilitation (control group, CG, n=31) or conventional rehabilitation plus Maitland joint mobilization (experimental group, EG, n=32). The primary outcome of interest was pain reduction, assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included ankle ROM (dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and varus), Y-balance test results, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores for daily living and sports. Outcomes were assessed before and after an 8-week intervention. Overall, the results revealed significant improvements in all measured outcomes for both groups (P < .05), but the EG demonstrated superior improvements compared to CG (P < .05). These findings suggest that Maitland joint mobilization, when combined with conventional rehabilitation, is more effective in enhancing pain relief, ROM, balance, and functional ability in patients with CAI.