Mulligan Mobilization With Movement for Acute Lateral Ankle Sprains

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects and clinical specificity of Mulligan Mobilization With Movement (MWM) in adults with grade I or II lateral ankle sprains occurring less than 6 weeks before enrollment. The primary study population consists of participants enrolled within 2 weeks of the index lateral ankle sprain. Participants with an injury occurring between 2 and less than 6 weeks before enrollment are also eligible. Approximately 110 participants will be allocated to a Mulligan MWM intervention group or a control group receiving usual-care rehabilitation without Mulligan treatment. In the intervention group, three MWM techniques targeting the inferior tibiofibular, talocrural, and cubometatarsal joints are tested in a randomized order and adapted according to the participant's immediate pain-free response. Treatment includes up to six sessions provided twice weekly. Clinical outcomes are assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 3 months. The primary outcomes are ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, ankle joint arthrokinematics, and pain during weight-bearing dorsiflexion.