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Effectiveness of a Flossing Protocol and Manual Therapy in Improving the Clinical and Functional Status of Subjects with Recurrent Ankle Sprains; A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Introduction: Recurrent ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability. The flossing technique aims to modify the function and characteristics of fascial tissue. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of flossing and sliding techniques in improving subjects with previous ankle sprains. Methods: Randomized, double-blind clinical study with a follow-up period. Twenty-six subjects were assigned to two study groups: experimental (flossing technique and passive manual therapy techniques) and placebo control group (flossing technique without compression and manual therapy techniques without sliding). The intervention lasted three weeks, with two sessions per week. The study variables were dorsiflexion under load (Leg Motion®), ankle mobility under unloaded conditions (goniometer), pressure pain threshold (algometer), and stability (Rs Scan® pressure platform). Three measurements were taken: pre-treatment (T0), post-treatment (T1), and after 3 weeks of follow-up (T2). Results: There were significant intergroup differences in dorsiflexion under load (F = 4.90; p = 0.02). Range of motion in plantar flexion without load (F = 3.78; p = 0.04), in the ellipse area (F = 4.72; p = 0.01), left stability (F = 3.74; p = 0.03), and right stability (F = 3.73; p = 0.03) without visual support. Conclusions: A physiotherapy protocol using flossing and manual sliding therapy can increase loaded dorsal flexion in young adults with previous ankle sprains. This intervention can also improve ankle plantar flexion under unloaded conditions. The area of the ellipse without visual support can improve in young adults with a history of ankle sprains following a program of flossing and manual therapy.

Source: Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/medsci13030149

Authors: Mario Bermúdez-Egidos, Raúl Pérez-Llanes, Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso

Institutions: Universidad de Murcia, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo

Language: English

Topic: Foot and Ankle Surgery

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689