Investigation of the effect of activator-assisted talocrural joint manipulation on acute sports performance parameters in elite male volleyball players.

Objective: The research examined how activator-assisted talocrural joint manipulation affects joint range of motion and balance and jumping performance and dynamic weight transfer parameters in elite male volleyball players immediately after treatment.

Method: The study included 60 elite male volleyball players aged 18-25 years with at least 3 years of professional volleyball experience. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30) group. The experimental group received talocrural joint manipulation using an activator device, while the control group received a sham technique. Ankle joint range of motion, Y-balance test, vertical and horizontal jump tests, and pedobarographic weight transfer measurements were performed before and after the intervention.

Results: After manipulation, an increase of 4.7% (p < 0.001) in plantar flexion and 3.7% (p = 0.041) in dorsiflexion was observed in the right foot of the study group. In the Y balance test, an improvement of 7% (p < 0.001) in the right-side posteromedial reach distance and 5% (p < 0.001) in the posterolateral reach distance was observed. An increase of 2.3% (p < 0.001) in vertical jump height and 1.3% (p < 0.001) in horizontal jump distance was recorded. A significant increase of 10% (p < 0.001) was observed in the dynamic speed value on the left side. In the control group, changes in all parameters remained below 1%.

Conclusion: The activator-assisted talocrural joint manipulation technique delivers quick results for elite male volleyball players by enhancing joint range of motion and balance and jumping performance. The technique should be used in pre-competition preparation for sports which need explosive power and balance.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07072260, July 9, 2025. Retrospectively registered.