Teenage Functional Hallux Limitus and Ankle Dorsiflexion Study

University of Bologna

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Ankle Joint; Hallux Limitus

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: Dorsiflexion lunge test; Diagnostic Test: Jack Test

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05399472

TMUNIBO2022PS

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to identify a possible correlation between reduced mobility of the first toe under load and reduced mobility of the ankle ROM in healthy adolescent basketball players. To reach this goal, two non-invasive tests will be performed to measure the amount of movement of the ankle joint and the first toe.

Full description

Functional hallux limitus (FHL) is a common condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTF) characterized by reduced dorsiflexion (DF) under load and has a negative effect on load transfer during toe off.

This condition is especially common among athletes, even at a youth age, due to repeated loads that can lead to tissue and/or joint damage. The compensations that occur in athletes with an FHL can negatively affect sports performance and start injuries.

Limited ankle dorsiflexion under load is another element that can affect sports performance as well as predisposing to injury. Several studies have investigated its regional interdependence but only a few have hypothesized a correlation between this limitation and FHL.

The aim of this study is to understand a possible correlation between reduced ankle DF and reduced MTF dorsiflexion during loading, so that preventive action can be taken to reduce the risk of injury.

Participants will fill in a cross-check survey to establish if there are any predisposing factors for FHL or ankle DF reduction.

The dorsiflexion lunge test (DLT) will be used to measure ankle dorsiflexion. The Jack Test will be used to measure first toe dorsiflexion under load and the Dorsiflexion Lunge Test will be used to measure ankle DF.

Enrollment: 50 estimated patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 12 to 17 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• male teenages basketball players enrolled in a competitive sports club
• teenagers whose parents have signed the privacy and consent forms

Exclusion criteria

• athletes who have suffered in the last 3 months of lower limb musculoskeletal disorders such as pain for more than 7 days (ankle distortion outcomes, leg/foot fractures, plantar fasciopathy, metatarsalgias, etc);
• athletes who have undergone surgery on their lower limb.

Trial design

50 participants in 1 patient group

Participant

Description:

The participants must be teenage basketball players (12-17 years old). The exclusion criteria are: * have suffered in the last 3 months of lower limb musculoskeletal disorders such as pain for more than 7 days (ankle distortion outcomes, leg/foot fractures, plantar fasciopathy, metatarsalgias, etc); * athletes who have undergone surgery on their lower limb.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Jack Test

Diagnostic Test: Dorsiflexion lunge test