Knee and Hip Kinematics during Gait following 12- week Conservative Interventions in a Case with Lower Limb Stiffness

Aims: This case study aims to manage the post-operative complications in a patient with excessive ankle stiffness using Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Faradic Electrical Stimulation (FES) and investigate the effects on knee and hip kinematics during gait. Method and Materials: A 41-year-old female with post-operation complications including decreased right ankle Range of Motion (ROM) and strength underwent a 12-week of IASTM and FES. Gait analysis was performed before and after the intervention. Knee and hip angles and velocities in 3 dimensions were measured using a motion analysis system before and after the intervention. Findings: Results showed an increased knee adduction, decreased peak knee external rotation at late swing phase, increased peak frontal plane knee velocity, frontal and transverse plane hip excursion, peaks velocities in transverse and frontal plane. Conclusion: A 12-week IASTM and FES can improve knee and hip gait mechanics in a patient with excessive ankle stiffness.