Effects of a proximal or distal tibiofibular joint manipulation on ankle range of motion and functional outcomes in individuals with chronic ankle instability

43 patients with chronic ankle instability were randomized to one of three groups to assess the effects of tibiofibular manipulation on dorsiflexion ROM and functional measures. Patients were randomly assigned to either proximal tibiofibular manipulation, distal tibofibular manipulation, or to a control group receiving no treatment. Treatment and follow-up every 7 days for 21 days indicated that there were no significant differences between manipulation and control groups with respect to ankle dorisflexion range of motion and functional measures. Dorsiflexion, however, improved over the 3-week follow-up period regardless of treatment allocation.