Effectiveness of Dorsal Glide Mobilization on Ankle Mobility and Basketball Performance

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Unilateral Restricted Ankle Dorsiflexion

• Registration Number: NCT06828744
• Lead Sponsor: International Hellenic University

Brief Summary

Background Ankle dorsiflexion is a crucial factor for functional lower limb performance, particularly in sports like basketball, where dynamic movements, direction changes, jumps, and landings are essential for athletic success. Eccentric exercise has been shown to improve dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), enhancing muscle strength, flexibility, and athletic performance. Additionally, ankle joint mobilization, specifically posterior talocrural glide, has demonstrated promising results in improving mobility, restoring ROM, and reducing compensatory movement strategies. However, the combined effects of eccentric exercise and joint mobilization on increasing ankle dorsiflexion ROM and improving athletic performance in young basketball athletes have not yet been sufficiently investigated.

Objective The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of combining eccentric exercise and posterior talocrural glide mobilization in improving ankle dorsiflexion ROM and enhancing athletic performance in young basketball athletes.

Methods A randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including 40 young basketball athletes with confirmed restricted ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group. Both groups will follow a five-week training program consisting of eccentric exercises and stretching, performed three times per week, to improve athletic performance. The intervention group, in addition to the exercise program, will undergo ankle joint mobilization sessions for the same duration.

Ankle dorsiflexion ROM, maximum isometric strength of the ankle muscles, fatigue resistance through specific endurance tests, and performance via functional tests will be assessed at baseline, at the end of the five-week program, and three months after the intervention. Statistical analysis will be conducted using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, with the significance level set at p \< 0.05.

Detailed Description

Background Ankle dorsiflexion is a crucial factor for functional lower limb performance, particularly in sports like basketball, where dynamic movements, direction changes, jumps, and landings are essential for athletic success. Eccentric exercise has been shown to improve dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), enhancing muscle strength, flexibility, and athletic performance. Additionally, ankle joint mobilization, specifically posterior talocrural glide, has demonstrated promising results in improving mobility, restoring ROM, and reducing compensatory movement strategies. However, the combined effects of eccentric exercise and joint mobilization on increasing ankle dorsiflexion ROM and improving athletic performance in young basketball athletes have not yet been sufficiently investigated.

Objective The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of combining eccentric exercise and posterior talocrural glide mobilization in improving ankle dorsiflexion ROM and enhancing athletic performance in young basketball athletes.

Methods A randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including 40 young basketball athletes with confirmed restricted ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group. Both groups will follow a five-week training program consisting of eccentric exercises and stretching, performed three times per week, to improve athletic performance. The intervention group, in addition to the exercise program, will undergo ankle joint mobilization sessions for the same duration. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM, maximum isometric strength of the ankle muscles, fatigue resistance through specific endurance tests, and performance via functional tests will be assessed at baseline, at the end of the five-week program, and three months after the intervention. Statistical analysis will be conducted using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, with the significance level set at p \< 0.05.

Expected Outcomes Improvements in ankle dorsiflexion ROM, muscle strength, and athletic performance are expected, along with a reduction in fatigue and compensatory movement strategies. The intervention is also anticipated to enhance ankle stability and lower the risk of injuries.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Study Start: 2025-02-11
• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-11
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-02-11
• Study First Posted: 2025-02-14
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-14
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-18
• Primary Completion: 2025-09-30
• Study Completion: 2025-09-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

• Participants healthy and actively engaged in sports at the time of the study.
• No presence of ankle pain or use of medication for musculoskeletal injuries or pain management at the time of the study.
• Participation in regular training for at least one month prior to the study.
• A restriction in ankle dorsiflexion of at least 2 cm in one foot compared to the other, as measured using the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT).
• Written informed consent must be provided before participation in the study.

Exclusion Criteria

• History of lower extremity surgery.
• Musculoskeletal injury to the lower extremity within the past six months.
• Presence of vestibular, balance, or connective tissue disorders.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Active Range of Motion of Ankle Dorsiflexion using a Digital Goniometer	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The active range of motion (ROM) of ankle dorsiflexion will be measured using a digital goniometer, which provides precise joint angle measurements. The goniometer will be placed on the lateral malleolus and aligned with the axis of the tibia and foot. The athlete will perform maximum active dorsiflexion, and the angle (in degrees) formed between the tibia and the foot will be digitally recorded. This measurement provides reliable data regarding ankle mobility and identifies potential motion restrictions. The use of a digital goniometer for ROM assessment has been demonstrated to have high validity and reliability in clinical and research settings.
Dorsiflexion Range of Motion in a Closed Kinetic Chain using the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT)	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) is used to assess the range of motion (ROM) of ankle dorsiflexion in a closed kinetic chain. The accuracy of this method relies on proper foot alignment and the measurement of the heel-to-wall distance (in cm) while the tibia remains in contact with the wall. This test provides a reliable and valid measure of functional ankle mobility, making it particularly useful for evaluating dorsiflexion restrictions under weight-bearing conditions (Howe, 2017).
Maximum Isometric Strength of Ankle Dorsiflexors and Plantar Flexors using a Handheld Dynamometer	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The maximum isometric strength of the ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer. The device will be applied to the foot while the athlete performs a maximal voluntary isometric contraction in both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The force output (in Newtons, N) will be recorded as an indicator of muscle strength and functional capacity of the ankle joint. This method provides high reliability and validity in evaluating ankle muscle function and detecting potential strength deficits.
Jump Height (cm) using the Vertical Jump Test	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The Vertical Jump Test is used to measure the explosive power of the lower limb muscles, which is directly related to athletic performance. The accuracy of this method depends on the use of a jump measurement system, such as a force platform or an optical motion tracking system, which records jump height (in cm). This test is a reliable and validated method for assessing muscular power and short-duration force production, providing valuable insights into neuromuscular performance and athletic capabilities (Markovic et al., 2004).
Endurance and Fatigue Resistance (Number of Repetitions) using the Repeated Single-Leg Hops (RSLH) Test	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The Repeated Single-Leg Hops (RSLH) Test is used to assess ankle endurance and fatigue resistance by recording the number of consecutive hops an athlete can perform on a single leg before experiencing a significant decline in performance or technique. The accuracy of this method relies on tracking the total number of repetitions performed while maintaining proper form. The fatigue index, which compares performance differences between the first and last repetitions, is used to evaluate muscular endurance and impact absorption capacity (Pappas et al., 2007).
Strength Endurance and Explosiveness (Reactive Strength Index - RSI) Average during Continuous Jumps (15 sec)	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The Reactive Strength Index (RSI) is used to evaluate an athlete's ability to perform explosive jumps with rapid and efficient takeoff. In this specific test, RSI is calculated during continuous single-leg hops over a 15-second period, measuring the ratio between ground contact time (in seconds) and jump height (in centimeters). This assessment provides a reliable indicator of explosive strength, muscular endurance, and the athlete's capacity to sustain high performance under repeated effort conditions (Flanagan \& Comyns, 2008).
Endurance Assessment using the Fatigue Index (first 5 vs. last 5 Jumps)	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The Fatigue Index is used to assess an athlete's ability to maintain high performance during a series of repeated jumps. The measurement is based on the comparison between the first five and the last five jumps, analyzing the reduction in jump height (in centimeters) or the increase in ground contact time (in seconds). This test provides valuable insights into muscular endurance, recovery capacity, and fatigue resistance, which are critical for improving athletic performance and injury prevention (Gathercole et al., 2015).
Performance Assessment using the Single-Leg Hop Test for Distance	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The Single-Leg Hop Test for Distance is used to assess explosive power, balance, and ankle joint stability. The athlete stands on the test leg, performs a maximum forward jump, and lands on the same foot while attempting to maintain balance. The jump distance (in centimeters) is measured from the starting position to the landing point (at the level of the great toe) with a measuring tape securely placed on the ground. The athlete completes three trials, and the longest jump distance is recorded as the final measurement (Noyes et al., 1991).
Performance Assessment using the Triple Hop for Distance Test	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The Triple Hop for Distance Test is used to evaluate explosive power, balance control, and dynamic ankle stability. The athlete stands on one leg and performs three consecutive forward hops, always landing on the same foot while maintaining balance. The total hop distance (in centimeters) is measured from the starting position to the final landing point using a measuring tape securely placed on the ground. The athlete completes three trials, and the longest total distance is recorded as the final measurement.
Performance Assessment using the Single-Leg 6m Timed Hop Test	Baseline, end of 5th week, 3-moth follow-up	The Single-Leg 6m Timed Hop Test is used to evaluate explosive power, speed, and balance control during repeated hopping movements. The athlete performs consecutive single-leg hops over a total distance of 6 meters. The time (in seconds) is recorded using a stopwatch, starting when the athlete's heel lifts from the ground in the initial position and stopping when the test foot crosses the finish line. The time is measured to the nearest tenth of a second. The athlete performs three trials, and the fastest recorded time is used as the final measurement.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

International Hellenic University; 🇬🇷 Thessaloniki, Greece