The study aims to find validity and intra-inter examiner reliability of the Lever Laser Lunge Test (LLLT). This is a new way to measure ankle range of motion during weight bearing, instead of classical dorsiflexion lunge test The study wants to assume that LLLT is comparable to the traditional test but more efficient because it could be used in different settings. To reach this goal, these two non-invasive tests will be performed to measure the amount of movement of the ankle joint in healthy teenage basketball players. Data will be statistically compared and studied.
The dorsiflexion lunge test or knee-to-wall test (DLT) measure the range of movement of weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion. This test is frequently used in sport setting, in order to identify ankle limitations which could lead to possible injuries or joint overloads. DLT is a cheap and simple measurement method to assess the ankle dorsiflexion, however clinicians find possible bias that reduce the usability of this test. In order to remove this bias, this study suggests a new measurement method carried out by a level laser to create a virtual wall (the vertical red line produced by the laser). The study aims therefore to estimate the validity and intra-inter examiner reliability of this method, in comparison to the DLT. The instruments used are a professional level laser and a rigid ruler. A group of male teenager basketball players from Bologna competitive sports clubs will be recruited. In order to assess the validity of this new test the clinicians will compare statistically the outcome of both test In order to assess the intra and inter examiner reliability the clinicians will compare repeated measurements of the LLLT. It is assumed that both measurement methods (traditional and laser method) have comparable validity but LLLT reliability intra and inter examiner should be higher than the DLT one.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
50
In order to perform the Level Laser Test, the operator 1 places a laser lever on the ground one metre aside and 50 cm forward the ankle to be examined. This laser (a 2-class laser not harmful to the eyes) maintains a linear laser light beam perpendicular to the floor. The examined leg is placed further forward to the other one, as it happens in the DLT. The teenage performs a forward lunge perpendicularly to the laser line, the heel positioning 50 cm from the laser line. Operator 1 has the subject perform a lunge while operator 2 measures the distance from the kneecap to the laser line. The measurement, deducted by 50 cm, leads to the heel-to-wall distance (value used to DLT).
The dorsiflexion lunge test (DLT) will be used to measure ankle dorsiflexion. To perform this test, the teenage stands in front of a wall holding the foot of their limb to be measured perpendicularly to it. The other foot is to be kept behind it. The teenage is asked to perform a lunge (to dorsiflex the ankle and bring the knee into flexion) until the front knee touches the wall without the heel lifting off the ground. The teenage steps away from the wall as much as possible as long as the knee keeps touching the wall. Measurement in centimeters is taken from the heel of the examined leg to the wall.
Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie (DIBINEM)
Bologna, Italy
RECRUITINGvalidity of lever laser lunge test
the collected values will be statistically processed to identify a significant validity of the LLLT comparing to the DLT
Time frame: 1 day
intra-examiner reliability of lever laser lunge test
the collected values will be statistically processed to identify a significant intra-examiner reliability of the LLLT compared to the DLT values found in the bibliography
Time frame: 2 days
inter-examiner reliability of lever laser lunge test
the collected values will be statistically processed to identify a significant inter-examiner reliability of the LLLT compared to the DLT values found in the bibliography
Time frame: 2 days
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