Immediate Effects of Ankle Joint Mobilization on Jump Performance in Healthy University Students

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07711379

Muş Alparslan University52 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the immediate effects of ankle joint mobilization on countermovement jump performance and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy university students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an ankle joint mobilization group or a sham mobilization group. Countermovement jump performance will be assessed using the My Jump Lab mobile application, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be measured using the weight-bearing lunge test with a digital inclinometer before and immediately after the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to improve the understanding of the acute effects of ankle joint mobilization on functional performance and ankle mobility.

Vertical jump performance is an important indicator of lower-extremity explosive power and neuromuscular function. Adequate ankle dorsiflexion range of motion plays a critical role in force production, movement efficiency, and landing mechanics during jumping tasks. Previous studies have demonstrated that ankle joint mobilization can improve dorsiflexion range of motion through mechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms. However, limited evidence exists regarding whether these immediate improvements in ankle mobility translate into enhanced jump performance in healthy individuals. This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of ankle joint mobilization on countermovement jump performance and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy university students. Approximately 50 healthy university students will be recruited and randomly allocated to either an ankle joint mobilization group or a sham mobilization group (25 participants per group). Before the intervention, all participants will undergo assessments of countermovement jump performance using the My Jump Lab mobile application and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion using the weight-bearing lunge test with a digital inclinometer. Participants in the intervention group will receive ankle joint mobilization using the Mobilization with Movement (MWM) technique. Participants in the sham group will be positioned similarly and perform the same movement without the application of therapeutic posterior talar glide. Immediately after the intervention, all outcome measures will be repeated using the same standardized procedures. The primary outcome will be countermovement jump performance, while the secondary outcome will be ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. The results of this study may provide evidence regarding the immediate effects of ankle joint mobilization on functional performance and may contribute to the development of evidence-based manual therapy interventions for improving lower-extremity performance

Interventions

Mobilization with Movement (MWM)PROCEDURE

A Mulligan Mobilization with Movement technique will be applied to the talocrural joint. During active weight-bearing lunge movement, a sustained posterior talar glide will be applied by the therapist. The intervention will consist of three sets of ten repetitions.

Sham MobilizationPROCEDURE

Participants will perform the same active movement in the same position as the experimental group. The therapist will maintain hand contact without applying a therapeutic posterior talar glide.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 30 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy university students aged 18-30 years. * Willing to participate and provide written informed consent. * No history of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the -previous 6 months. * No neurological or vestibular disorders affecting balance or movement. * No contraindications to manual therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Current pain in the lower extremity or spine. * History of ankle fracture or surgery. * Acute lower extremity injury within the previous 6 months. * Any systemic, neurological, or rheumatological disease affecting movement. * Participation in another intervention study during the study period. * Inability to complete the assessment procedures.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Countermovement Jump Performance

Countermovement jump (CMJ) performance will be assessed using the My Jump Lab mobile application. Participants will perform three maximal countermovement jumps with their hands on their hips, and the highest jump height (cm) will be recorded.

Time frame: Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention (single session).

Secondary Outcomes

Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be measured using the weight-bearing lunge test with a digital inclinometer. Three measurements will be obtained, and the average value (degrees) will be used for analysis.

Time frame: Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention (single session)