Calf Muscle TightnessNCT07585084
Neural Mobilisation Effect on Calf Muscle
A study testing Neural mobilisation and Gastrocnemius stretching in people with Calf Muscle Tightness, run by INTI International University at 1 site in Malaysia.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 13 to 23 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Calf Muscle Tightness
- What is being tested?
- Neural mobilisation and Gastrocnemius stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 54 participants
- Where
- 1 siteMalaysia
- Study dates
- 20 Aug 2024to 15 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 13 to 23 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Malaysia1 site
Inti International University
Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, 71800
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Neural Mobilization on Calf Muscle Length and Strength in Ballet Dancers: a Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read the detailed description
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) .
- Conditions
- Calf Muscle Tightness
- Being tested
- Neural mobilisation, Gastrocnemius stretching
- Keywords
- neural mobilisation, calf muscle length, calf muscle strength
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Neural mobilisationOther
Also called nerve gliding, nerve tensioning
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.
Gastrocnemius stretchingOther
Also called calf self stretching
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Neural mobilisation group | Experimental | neural mobilisation of tibial nerve and gastrocnemius stretching Receives: Other: Neural mobilisation; Other: Gastrocnemius stretching |
| Gastrocnemius stretching group | Active comparator | 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 tretched position by leaning forward while both soles of feet remain contact on the round. Self-stretch was performed throughout the 4-week study duration before every ballet training or class. Receives: Other: Gastrocnemius stretching |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
knee to wall test
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.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Calf muscle strength
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.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Dynamic balance using Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT)
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.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 May 2026
- Study start20 Aug 2024
- Primary completion15 Jan 2026
- Study completion15 Jan 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Calf Muscle TightnessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A randomised controlled trial with one experimental group and one control group
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- INTI International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, NITHIYAH MARUTHEY, INTI International University
- Investigators
- NITHIYAH MARUTHEY, Principal investigator, INTI International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07585084
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- INTI-IU/FHLS-RC/BPTHI/1NY12024
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 6 May 2026
- Last updated
- 14 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: Upon careful consideration it will be decided to protect participants privacy
Publications
Cho SY, Myong Y, Park S, Cho M, Kim S. A portable articulated dynamometer for ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion strength measurement: a design, validation, and user experience study. Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 14;13(1):22221. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-49263-2.
PubMed 38097727Avila-Carvalho L, Conceicao F, Escobar-Alvarez JA, Gondra B, Leite I, Rama L. The Effect of 16 Weeks of Lower-Limb Strength Training in Jumping Performance of Ballet Dancers. Front Physiol. 2022 Jan 12;12:774327. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.774327. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 35095553Alimoradi M, Sahebozamani M, Hosseini E, Konrad A, Noorian S. The Effect on Flexibility and a Variety of Performance Tests of the Addition of 4 Weeks of Soleus Stretching to a Regular Dynamic Stretching Routine in Amateur Female Soccer Players. Sports (Basel). 2023 Jul 19;11(7):138. doi: 10.3390/sports11070138.
PubMed 37505625
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Neural Mobilization on Calf Muscle Length and Strength in Ballet Dancers: a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07585084
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- INTI-IU/FHLS-RC/BPTHI/1NY12024
- Conditions
- Calf Muscle Tightness
- Keywords
- neural mobilisation, calf muscle length, calf muscle strength
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- INTI International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
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) .
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- A randomised controlled trial with one experimental group and one control group
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Neural mobilisation group | Experimental | Other: Neural mobilisation, Other: Gastrocnemius stretchingneural mobilisation of tibial nerve and gastrocnemius stretching |
| Gastrocnemius stretching group | Active comparator | Other: Gastrocnemius stretchingParticipants 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 tretched position by leaning forward while both soles of feet remain contact on the round. Self-stretch was performed throughout the 4-week study duration before every ballet training or class. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 13 to 23 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Neural mobilisationAlso: nerve gliding, nerve tensioningthe 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 | Neural mobilisation group |
| Gastrocnemius stretchingAlso: calf self stretchingParticipants 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 | Gastrocnemius stretching group, Neural mobilisation group |
Primary outcome
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.
2 secondary outcomes
Calf muscle strength
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Dynamic balance using Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 38097727Cho SY, Myong Y, Park S, Cho M, Kim S. A portable articulated dynamometer for ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion strength measurement: a design, validation, and user experience study. Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 14;13(1):22221. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-49263-2.
- Background: PubMed 35095553Avila-Carvalho L, Conceicao F, Escobar-Alvarez JA, Gondra B, Leite I, Rama L. The Effect of 16 Weeks of Lower-Limb Strength Training in Jumping Performance of Ballet Dancers. Front Physiol. 2022 Jan 12;12:774327. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.774327. eCollection 2021.
- Background: PubMed 37505625Alimoradi M, Sahebozamani M, Hosseini E, Konrad A, Noorian S. The Effect on Flexibility and a Variety of Performance Tests of the Addition of 4 Weeks of Soleus Stretching to a Regular Dynamic Stretching Routine in Amateur Female Soccer Players. Sports (Basel). 2023 Jul 19;11(7):138. doi: 10.3390/sports11070138.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. Upon careful consideration it will be decided to protect participants privacy
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
NITHIYAH MARUTHEY principal investigator
INTI International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Neural mobilisation and Gastrocnemius stretching in people with Calf Muscle Tightness, run by INTI International University at 1 site in Malaysia.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Malaysia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
knee to wall test (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07585084, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 May 2026.