Study Summary

60 patients with chronic ankle instability were randomized equally to receive a plantar massage, ankle joint mobilization, or control (no treatment). 18 control, 17 massage, and 18 mobilization participants were analyzed. The primary outcome was the percentage modulation during single-leg stance, quantifying visual reliance using Centre of Pressure Velocity (COPV) and time-to-boundary (TTB) measures in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) planes. Secondary outcomes included joint position sense, plantar light-touch thresholds, and H-reflex measures. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention (2 weeks), and 1-month follow-up. Overall, the results of the study revealed that plantar massage significantly reduced ML percentage modulation compared with control, exceeding the minimal detectable change. This effect was maintained at 1 month. Ankle mobilization did not significantly alter percentage modulation outcomes. These findings suggest plantar massage, but not joint mobilization, reduces visual reliance in individuals with chronic ankle instability.