Thesis
The effects of ankle and proximal tibiofibular manipulations on ankle ROM and squat strength and biomechanics
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2023
Abstract
Background: The back squat is commonly prescribed as part of strength and conditioning programs. Squat strategies can be affected by reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM), leading to limited squat depth and dysfunctional compensatory movement patterns.
Objective: The objective was to investigate the effect of high-velocity low-amplitude lower limb manipulations on 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat strength, frontal plane knee kinematics during a squat, and active DF-ROM in individuals with asymptomatic deficits in DF-ROM.
Methods: Twenty-four resistance trained participants with asymptomatic deficits in DF-ROM participated in this cross-over trial. Interventions involved either manipulations targeting ankle DF-ROM, or a sham which mimicked the manipulations using a mechanical drop mechanism. The primary outcome was change in back squat 1RM between baseline to post-intervention, and the secondary outcomes were maximal knee valgus during the 1RM squat using 3D motion capture and change in DF-ROM.
Results: There were statistically significant increases in 1RM after manipulation (4.75kg, p=.001) and sham (2.75kg, p=.032), but no statistical difference between interventions (p=.27). For maximal knee valgus during the squat, there was a statistically significant interaction between the treatment and side during the eccentric phase (p=.037). Post-hoc tests indicated the side with more restricted ankle ROM had 0.5° (2.7 – 3.8°) less maximal knee valgus after the manipulations compared to sham. There were no significant interactions for maximal knee valgus during the concentric phase (p=.10). Finally, there was no significant change in ankle DF-ROM immediately following either intervention (p=.39).
Conclusion: The results suggest that a single session of high-velocity low-amplitude manipulations targeting ankle DF-ROM may not result in an immediate increase in 1RM back squat strength more than sham and may not influence short-term ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Manipulations may change frontal plane knee kinematics during the eccentric phase of a squat, though this may not be clinically significant.
Details
- Title
- The effects of ankle and proximal tibiofibular manipulations on ankle ROM and squat strength and biomechanics
- Authors/Creators
- Reneigh J Morley-Hart
- Contributors
- Sasha Aspinall (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Allied HealthBarrett Losco (Supervisor)Alasdair Dempsey (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative TherapeuticsGreg Guy Haff (Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005609658507891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Allied Health
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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