Teenage Functional Hallux Limitus and Ankle Dorsiflexion Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Regional Interdependence Between Functional Hallux Limitus and Ankle Dorsiflexion in Healthy Adolescent Athletes

Conditions
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Hallux Limitus, Ankle Joint

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Dorsiflexion lunge test
* Diagnostic Test: Jack Test


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 12 Years
Maximum Age: 17 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Participant<br>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. | Diagnostic Test: Dorsiflexion lunge test<br>* The dorsiflexion lunge test (DLT) will be used to measure ankle dorsiflexion. To perform this test, the participant 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 participant 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 participant 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.<br>Diagnostic Test: Jack Test<br>* The Jack Test will be used to measure the first toe dorsiflexion under load. The examiner pulled the proximal phalanx of the hallux to dorsiflexion with his hand until the maximal amount of mobility was reached with the subject standing. The static arm of the goniometer was placed along the first metatarsal longitudinal axis while the free movable arm followed the proximal phalanx of the hallux axes.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dorsiflexion Lunge Test | Measurement in centimeters taken from the heel of the examined leg to the wall. | T1: first day | 
| Jack test | Degrees of movement will be measured with a goniometer. Static arm of the goniometer was placed along the first metatarsal longitudinal axis while the free movable arm followed the proximal phalanx of the hallux axes. | T1: first day | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Functional hallux limitus, Ankle dorsiflexion