Effect of Activator-Assisted Talocrural Manipulation on Performance in Elite Volleyball Players

NCT07072260 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: 2025/047
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the acute effects of activator-assisted talocrural joint manipulation on joint range of motion, dynamic balance, vertical and horizontal jump performance, and weight transfer parameters in elite male volleyball players aged 18-25. The study compares a manipulation group with a sham control group and assesses performance metrics before and after the intervention.

Conditions

Joint Manipulation; Range of Motion; Athletic Performance; Sports; Balance; Jumping Performance; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postural Balance; Motor Activity; Volleyball

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Ankle Range of Motion (Plantar/Dorsiflexion)

  Plantar and dorsiflexion measured using a goniometer (degrees).

  Pre-intervention (T0) and post-intervention (T1, within 3-5 minutes).

• Y-Balance Test

  Anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach distances (cm).

  Pre-intervention (T0) and post-intervention (T1, within 3-5 minutes).

• Jumping Performance:

  Vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance (cm).

  Pre-intervention (T0) and post-intervention (T1, within 3-5 minutes).

• Dynamic Weight Transfer

  Assessed via pedobarographic analysis, including static load ratio (%), dynamic contact area ratio (CAR-AP, CAR-RP, %), and dynamic speed (mm/s).

  Pre-intervention (T0) and post-intervention (T1, within 3-5 minutes).

Study Arms (2)

Activator-Assisted Talocrural Manipulation

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group receive a single session of activator-assisted manipulation using the Activator Adjustment Instrument (AAI) to the talocrural (ankle) joint. Six impulses (three anterior and three posterior) are applied with the ankle in a neutral position.

Other: Activator Manipulation

Sham Soft Tissue Stroking

SHAM COMPARATOR

Participants in this group receive a sham intervention consisting of light soft tissue stroking around the talocrural joint without joint manipulation. The application mimics the duration and setup of the experimental group but does not include any mechanical stimulus.

Other: Sham Stroking

Interventions

Sham Stroking OTHER

Participants in this group receive a sham intervention consisting of light soft tissue stroking around the talocrural joint without joint manipulation. The application mimics the duration and setup of the experimental group but does not include any mechanical stimulus.

Also known as: Non-therapeutic light touch technique

Sham Soft Tissue Stroking

Activator Manipulation OTHER

Participants in this group receive a single session of activator-assisted manipulation using the Activator Adjustment Instrument (AAI) to the talocrural (ankle) joint. Six impulses (three anterior and three posterior) are applied with the ankle in a neutral position.

Also known as: Activator Adjustment Instrument (AAI)

Activator-Assisted Talocrural Manipulation

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 15 Years - 25 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Elite male volleyball players aged 15-25 years
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Elite male volleyball players aged 15-25 years
• Minimum of 3 years of professional volleyball training experience
• Active member of a team and club

You may not qualify if:

• Not actively participating in training or matches
• History of acute musculoskeletal pathology or surgery in the lower extremities

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gazi University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Haksever B, Hajighorbani K, Cakir CH, Isguzar MG, Elbasan B. Investigation of the effect of activator-assisted talocrural joint manipulation on acute sports performance parameters in elite male volleyball players. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Oct 7;17(1):291. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01358-1.

  PMID: 41053891 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Single Blind (Statistician analyzing data was blinded)
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 9, 2025
• First Posted: July 18, 2025
• Study Start: May 10, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 20, 2025
• Study Completion: May 30, 2025
• Last Updated: July 18, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)