Effectiveness of Dorsal Glide Mobilization on Ankle Mobility and Basketball Performance

The active range of motion (ROM) of ankle dorsiflexion will be measured using a digital goniometer, which provides joint angle measurements. The measurement will be performed with the participant in a seated position and the knee slightly flexed. The goniometer will be placed on the lateral malleolus and aligned with the axis of the tibia and the foot. The athlete will perform maximum active dorsiflexion, and the angle (in degrees) formed between the tibia and the foot will be recorded. Three trials will be performed and the mean value will be used for analysis. This measurement provides information regarding ankle mobility and helps identify potential motion restrictions. The use of a digital goniometer for ROM assessment is widely applied in clinical and research settings when standardized procedures are followed.

The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) is used to assess the range of motion (ROM) of ankle dorsiflexion in a closed kinetic chain. The test is performed with the participant standing facing a wall and advancing the tibia while keeping the heel in contact with the ground. The toe-to-wall distance (in cm) is measured while the knee remains in contact with the wall. Three trials are recorded and the mean value is used for analysis. This test provides a functional measure of ankle dorsiflexion under weight-bearing conditions and is widely used in both clinical and research settings.

The maximum isometric strength of the ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Measurements will be performed with the participant in a seated position, with the hip and knee at approximately 90° and the ankle in a neutral position. The device will be applied to the foot while the athlete performs a maximal voluntary isometric contraction in both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Three maximal contractions will be recorded for each muscle group, and the highest value of force output (in Newtons, N) will be used for analysis. This method provides information regarding ankle muscle strength and functional capacity and is widely used in clinical and research settings when standardized procedures are applied.

The Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test is used to assess the explosive power of the lower limb muscles. Jump height (in cm) will be recorded using an optical measurement system, which calculates jump height based on flight time. Participants will perform one familiarization trial followed by three valid jumps, and the mean value will be used for analysis. This test provides an indicator of lower-limb explosive power and neuromuscular performance and is widely used in athletic populations.

The Fatigue Index (FI) is used to assess lower-limb fatigue resistance during repeated single-leg hopping. The FI is calculated as the relative change in performance between the initial and the final phase of repeated hop efforts, with higher values indicating a greater decline in performance. This measure provides information about the athlete's ability to maintain functional performance under repeated loading conditions and complements absolute performance measures obtained from hop tests.

The Single-Leg 6 m Timed Hop Test is used to evaluate speed, explosive power, and balance control during repeated hopping movements. The athlete performs consecutive single-leg hops over a total distance of 6 meters. The time (in seconds) is recorded using a stopwatch, starting when the athlete's heel lifts from the ground in the initial position and stopping when the test foot crosses the finish line. The time is measured to the nearest tenth of a second. The athlete performs one familiarization trial followed by two valid trials, and the mean value of the two trials is used for analysis.

The Triple Hop for Distance Test is used to evaluate explosive power, balance control, and dynamic ankle stability. The athlete stands on one leg and performs three consecutive forward hops, always landing on the same foot while maintaining balance. The total hop distance (in centimeters) is measured from the starting position to the final landing point using a measuring tape placed on the ground. The athlete performs one familiarization trial followed by two valid trials, and the mean value of the two trials is used for analysis.

The Single-Leg Hop Test for Distance is used to assess explosive power, balance, and ankle joint stability. The athlete stands on the test leg, performs a maximal forward jump, and lands on the same foot while attempting to maintain balance. The jump distance (in centimeters) is measured from the starting position to the landing point with a measuring tape placed on the ground. The athlete performs one familiarization trial followed by two valid trials, and the mean value of the two trials is used for analysis.

The Reactive Strength Index (RSI) is used to evaluate an athlete's ability to rapidly transition from eccentric to concentric muscle action during stretch-shortening cycle activities. Participants will perform repeated jump contacts with minimal ground contact time. RSI will be calculated as jump height divided by ground contact time, and the mean value of valid trials will be used for analysis. This assessment provides an indicator of reactive and explosive neuromuscular performance.