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Effects of lower limb joint manipulation on squat strength and ankle range of motion: a sham-controlled double-blind
Reneigh Morley-Hart1, Barrett Losco2, Alasdair R Dempsey2,3
1School of Allied Health, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia. reneigh.morley-hart@murdoch.edu.au.
Background:
The back squat is a commonly prescribed exercise for developing lower body strength. The ability to squat can be affected by reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM), leading to limited squat depth and dysfunctional compensatory movement patterns.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of high-velocity low-amplitude lower limb manipulations on 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat strength, sagittal plane ankle kinematics during a squat, and active DF-ROM in individuals with asymptomatic deficits in DF-ROM.
Methods:
Twenty-six enrolled; Twenty-four analysed resistance-trained participants with asymptomatic deficits in DF-ROM participated in this double-blind randomised sham-controlled cross-over trial. Interventions involved high-velocity low-amplitude joint manipulations targeting ankle DF-ROM, and a sham which mimicked the manipulations using a mechanical drop mechanism. The primary outcome was a change in back squat 1RM between baseline to post-intervention, with secondary outcomes being maximal ankle DF-ROM during the 1RM squat using 3D motion capture, and change in DF-ROM during the weightbearing lunge test.
Results:
There was no statistically significant difference between interventions for back squat 1RM (p = 0.27). From baseline, the 1RM increased by 4.75 kg (3.6%) following manipulation and 2.75 kg (2.1%) following the sham. There were no statistically significant differences between interventions on maximal DF-ROM during the back squat (p = 0.24) and no statistically significant differences in ankle DF-ROM immediately following either intervention (p = 0.39).
Conclusion:
Based on these results a single session of high-velocity low-amplitude manipulations targeting ankle DF-ROM does not significantly improve 1RM back squat strength compared to sham, and does not influence short-term ankle DF-ROM. Trial registration The study was pre-registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12622000811707).
