Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
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).
Keywords
back squat, dorsiflexion, joint manipulation
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
12-1-2026
Article Number
38
E-ISSN
2045709X
Volume
34
Issue
1
PubMed ID
42321886
Publication Title
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funding Information
This study was funded by an intra-mural grant from the School of Allied Health, Murdoch University, Western Australia.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Morley-Hart, R., Losco, B., Dempsey, A. R., Haff, G. G., & Aspinall, S. L. (2026). Effects of lower limb joint manipulation on squat strength and ankle range of motion: A sham-controlled double-blind randomised cross-over trial. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 34, Article 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-026-00659-7