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Teenage Functional Hallux Limitus and Ankle Dorsiflexion Study

Conditions
Hallux Limitus
Ankle Joint
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: Dorsiflexion lunge test
Diagnostic Test: Jack Test
Registration Number
NCT05399472
Lead Sponsor
University of Bologna
Brief Summary

This study aims to identify a possible correlation between reduced mobility of the first toe under load and reduced mobility of the ankle ROM in healthy adolescent basketball players. To reach this goal, two non-invasive tests will be performed to measure the amount of movement of the ankle joint and the first toe.

Detailed Description

Functional hallux limitus (FHL) is a common condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTF) characterized by reduced dorsiflexion (DF) under load and has a negative effect on load transfer during toe off.

This condition is especially common among athletes, even at a youth age, due to repeated loads that can lead to tissue and/or joint damage. The compensations that occur in athletes with an FHL can negatively affect sports performance and start injuries.

Limited ankle dorsiflexion under load is another element that can affect sports performance as well as predisposing to injury. Several studies have investigated its regional interdependence but only a few have hypothesized a correlation between this limitation and FHL.

The aim of this study is to understand a possible correlation between reduced ankle DF and reduced MTF dorsiflexion during loading, so that preventive action can be taken to reduce the risk of injury.

Participants will fill in a cross-check survey to establish if there are any predisposing factors for FHL or ankle DF reduction.

The dorsiflexion lunge test (DLT) will be used to measure ankle dorsiflexion. The Jack Test will be used to measure first toe dorsiflexion under load and the Dorsiflexion Lunge Test will be used to measure ankle DF.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
50
Inclusion Criteria
  • male teenages basketball players enrolled in a competitive sports club
  • teenagers whose parents have signed the privacy and consent forms
Exclusion Criteria
  • athletes who have suffered in the last 3 months of lower limb musculoskeletal disorders such as pain for more than 7 days (ankle distortion outcomes, leg/foot fractures, plantar fasciopathy, metatarsalgias, etc);
  • athletes who have undergone surgery on their lower limb.

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ParticipantJack TestThe participants must be teenage basketball players (12-17 years old). The exclusion criteria are: * have suffered in the last 3 months of lower limb musculoskeletal disorders such as pain for more than 7 days (ankle distortion outcomes, leg/foot fractures, plantar fasciopathy, metatarsalgias, etc); * athletes who have undergone surgery on their lower limb.
ParticipantDorsiflexion lunge testThe participants must be teenage basketball players (12-17 years old). The exclusion criteria are: * have suffered in the last 3 months of lower limb musculoskeletal disorders such as pain for more than 7 days (ankle distortion outcomes, leg/foot fractures, plantar fasciopathy, metatarsalgias, etc); * athletes who have undergone surgery on their lower limb.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Jack testT1: first day

Degrees of movement will be measured with a goniometer. Static arm of the goniometer was placed along the first metatarsal longitudinal axis while the free movable arm followed the proximal phalanx of the hallux axes.

Dorsiflexion Lunge TestT1: first day

Measurement in centimeters taken from the heel of the examined leg to the wall.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Dipartimento di scienze biomediche e Neuromotorie (DIBINEM) - Università di Bologna (MED/48)

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Bologna, Italy

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