Improving ankle mobility and basketball performance with exercise and joint mobilization
Effectiveness of Dorsal Glide Mobilization of the Ankle Joint on Range of Motion and Performance in Young Basketball Athletes with Unilateral Restricted Ankle Dorsiflexion: a Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · International Hellenic University · NCT06828744
This study is testing if a mix of special exercises and ankle movements can help young basketball players improve their ankle flexibility and performance on the court.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | International Hellenic University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Thessaloniki) |
| Trial ID | NCT06828744 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of combining eccentric exercise with posterior talocrural glide mobilization to improve ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and enhance athletic performance in young basketball athletes. A randomized controlled trial will include 40 participants with restricted ankle dorsiflexion, who will be assigned to either an intervention group receiving both treatments or a control group receiving only exercise. The training program will last five weeks, with sessions held three times per week. The study aims to determine if the combined approach leads to greater improvements in mobility and performance compared to exercise alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young basketball athletes with a confirmed restriction in ankle dorsiflexion of at least 2 cm compared to the other foot.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of lower extremity surgery or recent musculoskeletal injuries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance ankle mobility and athletic performance in young basketball players.
How similar studies have performed: While the individual effects of eccentric exercise and joint mobilization have been studied, the combined approach in this specific context is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.
Where this trial is running
Thessaloniki
- International Hellenic University — Thessaloniki, Greece (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dimitrios Lytras, Assistant Professor
- Email: lytrasde@gmail.com
- Phone: 2310013802
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Unilateral Restricted Ankle Dorsiflexion, Range of motion, Eccentric exercise, Posterior talocrural glide, Basketball athletes