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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07585084

Neural Mobilisation Effect on Calf Muscle

The purpose of this study was to investigate Neural mobilisation effects on calf muscles length and strength is crucial to optimize ballet performance and prevent injuries.

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Key information

Conditions

Calf Muscle Tightness

Age range

13 year–23 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Inti International University

Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, 71800, Malaysia

About this study

A randomized controlled trial is conducted with a total of 54 non-professional ballet dancers recruited from ballet studios across the Klang Valley following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline measurement of calf muscle performance was conducted before randomization using knee-to-wall (KtW) test, handheld dynamometer (HHD) and Y-balance (YBT). Participants were allocated to experimental (NM and self-stretching) or control (self stretching) .

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Classical ballet trained female or male .
  • Subjects who are trained in classical ballet syllabus such as Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Syllabus, The Classical Ballet Syllabus by Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD), Vaganova Syllabus and more.
  • Aged 13-23 years old
  • Dancers who took class/practice ballet for at least 3 times per week
  • Participated in ballet competition in recent 6 months

Exclusion criteria

  • Professional full time ballet dancers
  • Non-ballet dancers
  • Self-reported lower extremity injuries in the past 6 months prior to date of data collection
  • Subjects with existing musculoskeletal injuries might affect calf muscle performance
  • Involvement in other sports or physical training

Treatment and study plan

Neural mobilisation

Other

the neural mobilisation was done with placement of participant's leg in hip flexion, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion and eversion to load the nerve. Then leg is placed back to neutral position, with ankle naturally plantarflexed to unload the nerve. NM of tibial nerve was done in a total of 10 seconds each repetition, with 5 seconds each for loading and unloading of nerve. Then 12 repetition was done in one set, which amount to a total of 120seconds or 2 minute per set. A total of 3 sets was done on each leg, with a 1-minute resting interval after each set. NM was administered to participants in experimental group before their ballet class for 3 times a week lasting for 4 weeks.

Other names: nerve gliding, nerve tensioning

Gastrocnemius stretching

Other

Participants was instructed to perform the classic wall stretch for gastrocnemius as self-stretching for a duration of 30 seconds each leg. It was done facing the wall and one leg had knee flexed in front while the other leg had knee extended behind. A 30 second hold was maintained at maximum stretched position by leaning forward while both soles of feet remain contact on the ground. Self-stretch was performed throughout the 4-week study duration before every ballet training or class.

Other names: calf self stretching

Primary outcomes

  1. knee to wall test

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks

    The participants placed the testing foot onto the measuring tape with foot perpendicular to the wall while lunging or bending the knee to touch the wall. Then participants slide their foot further away from the wall as much as ossible while maintaining contact of knee to the wall as well as heel of foot on the floor. The calf muscle flexibility is evaluated with the measurement of distance from the great toe to the wall will be the maximum possible ankle dorsiflexion for the individual.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Calf muscle strength

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks

    Calf muscle strength was measured using handheld dynamometer (HHD).The device was placed at the plantar aspect of metatarsophalangeal joint height and the body of HHD should be maintained perpendicular to the plane of ankle plantarflexion movement. Isometric contraction of ankle plantarflexor was done in maximum possible force for 5 seconds. Participant performed one trial to familiarize with the test, followed by 3 repetitions alternated on each leg with 1-minute resting interval.

  2. Dynamic balance using Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks

    Participants maintained their hands on the hip and reached tip of hallux to the maximal distance. The reaching foot were to avoid touching the ground and the heel of standing foot should remain on the ground. One trial on each direction was performed to familiarize with the test, followed by three trials with 1 minute resting interval. Normalize reach distance to lower limb length and normalized composite score were calculated to ultimately evaluate dynamic balance of an individual.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

INTI International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Neural Mobilization on Calf Muscle Length and Strength in Ballet Dancers: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 13, 2026
Registry last updated
May 14, 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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