Whole-body vibration and stretching enhances dorsiflexion range of motion in individuals with chronic ankle instability.

The purpose of this study was to determine if WBV performed concurrently with static stretching was more effective than static stretching alone to increase dorsiflexion ROM (DFROM) in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Controlled laboratory study. Thirty-nine participants with CAI (history of ankle sprain, a feeling of "giving way" during activity, and a qualifying Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Ankle score) were divided into 3 groups (normative (N), static stretch (SS), and static stretch with vibration (SV)). Participants stretched the triceps surae 4 days/wk for 3 wks. Vibration was imposed at 34 Hz and 1.8 mm. DFROM was assessed in a straight and bent-leg position. No differences were detected at any time in the N or SS group, however SS did exhibit large effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals (CI) that did not cross zero from baseline to 3 weeks for both measures. The SV group demonstrated increased DFROM from baseline for both time points and a large effect size with 95% CI that did not cross zero from post tx-1 to post tx-2. Static stretching with WBV increases DFROM in participants with CAI more effectively than static stretching alone.

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Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to report that could inappropriately bias this work.