Influence of Abdominal Muscle Function on Knee Stability for Injury Prevention
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexFemale
Age18-35
SponsorEuropean University of Madrid
About this trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether an 8-week core stabilization training program can improve abdominal strength and knee stability in physically active women aged 18 to 35. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does core stabilization training improve abdominal endurance as measured by the Prone Bridge Test? Does this training enhance knee stability as measured by the Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, and Drop Vertical Jump?
Researchers will compare participants' results before and after the intervention to see whether the training program leads to measurable improvements in strength and stability.
Participants will:
Complete baseline testing of abdominal strength and knee stability using standardized assessments (Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, Drop Vertical Jump) recorded with a Vicon motion-capture system.
Perform an 8-week supervised core stabilization program that includes front plank, side plank, and Nordic hamstring exercises following a structured progression.
Complete the same performance tests again after the intervention.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Female participants
Age between 18 and 35 years
Performing regular physical activity ≥ 6 hours per week.
Able to complete all assessment procedures (Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, Drop Vertical Jump).
Disqualifiers
Current musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower limbs, trunk, or spine
History of surgery in the lower limbs or spine in the past 12 months
Known neurological, cardiovascular, or systemic conditions that may interfere with physical testing
Pregnancy
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Core Stabilization Training Program
BehavioralParticipants will perform the following exercises for 8 weeks: Front plank: 2 × 30 seconds (with progression including alternating leg lifts) Side plank: 2 × 30 seconds per side (with progression including hip abduction) Nordic hamstring exercise: 2 sets of 3-15 repetitions depending on progression Rest between sets: 30-60 seconds based on perceived exertion. All exercises are performed under supervision prior to regular training sessions.
Treatment groups
35 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Core Stabilization Training ProgramExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Control GroupNo intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Change in abdominal endurance (Prone Bridge Test)
Difference from baseline in time (seconds) holding a standardized prone bridge position with neutral alignment, up to voluntary termination or failure to maintain position after three warnings. Higher values indicate greater abdominal endurance.
Time frame
Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)Secondary outcomes
1
Change in dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score)
Difference from baseline in the Y-Balance Test composite reach score, expressed as a percentage of limb length and averaged across the three directions. Standard Y-Balance protocol with three trials per direction per limb in a fixed order; best performance used for analysis, recorded with concurrent motion capture.
Time frame
Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)2
Change in knee control during Lateral Squat Down (knee valgus angle)
Difference from baseline in peak frontal-plane knee valgus angle (degrees) of the test limb during the Lateral Squat Down task. Lower valgus angles indicate better knee stability. How it will be assessed: 3D kinematic analysis using a Vicon motion capture system tracking reflective markers on key anatomical landmarks; standardized step height (20 cm) and five repetitions recorded.
Time frame
Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)3
Change in landing mechanics (Drop Vertical Jump knee valgus angle)
Difference from baseline in peak knee valgus angle (degrees) during landing from a 31-cm box immediately followed by a maximal vertical jump. Lower valgus angles indicate improved neuromuscular control. How it will be assessed: 3D motion analysis with Vicon during standardized Drop Vertical Jump (feet 35 cm apart on take-off)
Time frame
Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)4
Adherence to the core training program
Percentage of prescribed sessions completed. Higher values indicate better adherence. Measure Type and Unit: Proportion (%) How it will be assessed: Supervised session logs; adherence calculated as completed/expected sessions × 100%.
Time frame
At the end 8-week interventionSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov