RecruitingACTRN12622000811707

The effects of ankle and proximal tibiofibular manipulations on ankle range of motion (ROM) and squat strength and biomechanics

The effects of ankle and proximal tibiofibular manipulations on ankle ROM and squat strength and biomechanics in adults aged 20 to 40 years with limited ankle dorsiflexion range of motion

Sponsor

Murdoch University

Enrollment

23 participants

Start Date

Jul 4, 2022

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Ankle range of motion deficits

Summary

This project is a cross-over trial that will compare the effect of two approaches to lower limb manipulation on maximum strength and movement strategies during a weighted squat, using healthy participants with experience in strength training and with limited ankle mobility. Each participant will attend three sessions. The first session will involve familiarisation with the procedures and baseline tests. The second and third sessions will involve a series of different manipulations to the ankle and knee. After each treatment, participants will perform a weighted squat and strength and movement strategies will be recorded using video motion capture. We hypothesise that the ankle and knee manipulations will improve maximum squat weight, lower limb movement strategies, and ankle range of motion, with possible differences between the two approaches.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 20 YearssMax Age: 40 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Tight ankles — limited range of motion when you flex your foot upward — are a common limiting factor in exercises like squats and can affect movement quality and injury risk. Manipulation therapy, where a trained clinician applies a quick, controlled force to a joint to restore its movement, is sometimes used to address this. This study at Murdoch University tests whether manipulation of the ankle joint or the joint at the top of the shin bone (the proximal tibiofibula) improves squat performance and ankle flexibility in experienced weight trainers. Participants attend three sessions. The first is a baseline assessment; the other two involve receiving two different types of manipulation (ankle vs. knee) in random order, followed by weighted squat testing with motion capture video. Researchers measure maximum squat weight, movement patterns, and ankle range of motion after each treatment. To join, you must be aged 20–40, regularly perform back squats (at least once a week for the past year), be able to squat at least your own body weight, and have restricted ankle dorsiflexion on at least one side. People with a history of ankle injury, lower limb surgery, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cannot participate. Women who are pregnant or in their menstrual bleed period on a test day are also excluded.

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Interventions

This is a double-blind randomised cross-over trial with 3 sessions. Session 1 involves familiarisation with the procedures and baseline tests. Sessions 2 and 3 will involve either a series of ankle and knee manipulations, or a series of sham manipulations. Session 1 and 2 will be separated by at least three days, and session 2 and 3 by seven to eight days (wash out). Each session will last 1 - 1.5 hours. The data collector will monitor adherence to the specified time frames between sessions using a spreadsheet to track attendance. The ankle and knee manipulations with involve a series of high velocity low amplitude thrust manipulations to bilateral ankle and knee joints, and are collectively intended to encourage mobility and especially dorsiflexion of the ankle/foot complex. Manipulations will involve: - Talocrural joint long axis distraction - Talocrural joint posterior glide manipulation - Subtalar lateral glide manipulation - Tarsometatarsal joint dorsal to plantar manipulation - Proximal tibiofibular joint posterior to anterior manipulation Interventions will be delivered by a registered chiropractor. A maximum of 2 attempts at each joint will be performed, based on perceived success of the first attempt. The success of the intervention at each joint will be determined subjectively by the clinician, and not necessarily based on an audible cavitation that can accompany joint manipulation.

Locations(1)

WA, Australia

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ACTRN12622000811707