RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate effect of talocrural joint manipulation (TCJM) on functional performance of athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). PARTICIPANTS: Forty athletes (18males, 22females) with CAI divided into TCJM group (n = 20) and sham manipulation group (n = 20). INTERVENTION: TCJM was performed as a quick thrust on the involved talus, in the posterior direction. Sham manipulation was maintaining the same position, without any thrust. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional performance of athletes was assessed with single leg hop; speed and Y balance tests, before and after the interventions. RESULTS: All functional tests evaluated in this study improved significantly after TCJM (p-value<0.05). These findings were not seen in the control group. Between-group comparisons also showed significant changes for all the measurements after the interventions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TCJM can significantly increase the functional performance of athletes with CIA and can be an effective supplementary treatment for these subjects. However, this was a pre-post study and future studies with long-term follow-ups may provide more reliable results about the long-term effectiveness of this type of treatment.