Ankle Isometric Strength and Proprioception in Young Ice Hockey Players

This observational cross-sectional study aims to profile ankle isometric strength and proprioception in 9-10-year-old junior ice hockey players and to compare these outcomes and limb symmetry indices with age-matched non-athlete children. Ankle isometric muscle strength is assessed using a handheld dynamometer, and ankle proprioception is evaluated using a digital inclinometer. Measurements are performed bilaterally for dominant and non-dominant limbs. Group comparisons and limb symmetry analyses are conducted to identify potential neuromuscular differences related to sports participation.

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Key information

Conditions

Ankle Joint Function Ankle Proprioception Muscle Strength Youth Sports Injury Prevention

Age range

9 year–10 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Children aged 9 to 10 years.
For the ice hockey group: regular participation in organized junior ice hockey training.
For the control group: no participation in organized sports or structured athletic training.
Ability to understand and follow test instructions.
Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians

Exclusion criteria

History of lower extremity injury within the past 6 months.
Previous ankle or lower limb surgery.
Presence of neurological, musculoskeletal, or balance disorders that could affect ankle strength or proprioception.
Current pain or injury affecting lower extremity function.
Any medical condition that would limit safe participation in the assessments.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Ankle Isometric Strength

Time frame: Single assessment session

Ankle isometric muscle strength of the dominant and non-dominant limbs measured using a hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette Manual Muscle Testing System). Peak force values are recorded for dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion.

Secondary outcomes

Ankle Proprioception

Time frame: Single assessment session

Ankle joint proprioception assessed bilaterally for the dominant and non-dominant limbs using a joint position sense test with a digital inclinometer. Proprioceptive accuracy is expressed as absolute error in degrees between the target and reproduced ankle joint position.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Emine Merve Ersever

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Ankle Isometric Strength and Proprioception Between 9-10-Year-Old Junior Ice Hockey Players and Age-Matched Controls

Acronym: ANKLE-ICE

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jan 13, 2026
Registry last updated: Jan 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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