Effect of Ankle Joint Mobilization with Movement on Range of Motion and Gait Ability in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

• Published in: Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research Vol. 15; no. 1; pp. 3095 - 3103
• Main Authors: Kim, Dajeong, Jeon, Yunghyun, Park, Shinjun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 국제물리치료연구학회 30.03.2024
• Subjects: 물리치료학; ROM; Mobilization with Movement; Stroke; Gait
• ISSN: 2092-8475; 2714-0148
• DOI: 10.20540/JIAPTR.2024.15.1.3095

Background: Mobilization with movement (MWM) is an effective intervention for increasing range of motion (ROM) and function without pain. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively characterize the functional effects of MWM applied to the ankle joint in patients with stroke. Design: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Methods: International electronic databases, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google scholar were included and identified after review by two investigators in July 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were synthesized using software provided by Cochran and analyzed using a random effects model with reweighting to account for heterogeneity between participants. Results: After excluding duplicate studies, 14 of the 19 articles screened through the abstracts were excluded, resulting in a total of five studies involving 109 participants with stroke. MWM showed significant differences in ankle ROM [overall effect (Z=3.27, P=0.00)], gait speed [overall effect (Z=3.33, P=0.00)], and cadence [overall effect (Z=2.49, P=0.01)]. Conclusion: The results of the meta-analysis confirmed that MWM is effective in improving ankle ROM and gait parameters in patients with stroke.