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NCT Number: NCT07523178

Effects of a Targeted Prevention Program on Change-of-Direction Biomechanics and Performance in Elite Female Soccer Players

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in female soccer and frequently occur during change-of-direction (COD) movements without contact. Biomechanical deficits during these movements are considered important risk factors.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a targeted injury-prevention program on biomechanical movement quality and performance during change-of-direction tasks in female soccer players.

Participants will perform a 90° cutting task during which biomechanical movement quality will be assessed using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS), while performance will be evaluated using cutting time measured with photoelectric timing gates. Participants will also perform the 505 Agility Test to assess additional change-of-direction performance.

In addition, subjective perceptions of functional confidence and performance will be collected using Likert-scale questionnaires.

The study will assess whether a structured prevention program integrated into regular training can improve biomechanical movement patterns and change-of-direction performance.

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Key information

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Knee Injuries Leg Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

13 year–16 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Liège

Liège, 4000, Belgium

Location contact

Mathilde Devits, PT- PhD candidate

CONTACT

[email protected]

+32498200017

Mathilde Devits, PT- PhD candidate

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries frequently occur during rapid change-of-direction (COD) movements in soccer, particularly in female players. Biomechanical deficits during these movements have been identified as important modifiable risk factors for non-contact ACL injuries.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a structured injury-prevention program on biomechanical movement quality and performance during change-of-direction tasks in female soccer players.

Participants will complete biomechanical and performance assessments before and after a training period. Movement quality during a 90° cutting task will be evaluated using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS). Performance will be assessed using cutting time measured with photoelectric timing gates. Participants will also perform the 505 Agility Test to evaluate additional change-of-direction performance. Subjective perceptions of functional confidence and performance will be collected using Likert-scale questionnaires.

Participants will be allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will complete a structured injury-prevention program integrated into their regular soccer training sessions. The program will be performed twice per week for six weeks, with sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes. It will include exercises targeting neuromuscular control, strength, balance, trunk stability, plyometric ability, and change-of-direction technique in order to improve movement mechanics during change-of-direction tasks. The control group will continue their usual soccer training without the additional prevention program.

The study will evaluate whether the prevention program improves biomechanical movement patterns and change-of-direction performance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Female soccer players aged 13 to 16 years
  • Female soccer players training at least 3 times per week
  • Ability to provide informed consent (parental consent required for minors)

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous lower-limb surgery
  • Current musculoskeletal injury
  • Refusal to participate or withdrawal of consent

Treatment and study plan

Targeted Injury Prevention Program

Behavioral

A structured injury prevention program integrated into regular soccer training sessions and performed twice per week for six weeks. The program includes exercises targeting neuromuscular control, lower-limb strength, trunk stability, balance, plyometric ability, and change-of-direction technique.

Primary outcomes

  1. CMAS Score during a 90° Change-of-Direction Cutting Task

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention period.

    Biomechanical movement quality during a 90° change-of-direction cutting task assessed using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS), reflecting the kinematic quality of the movement.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cutting Time during a 90° Change-of-Direction Cutting Task

    Time frame: aseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention period.

    Execution time (cutting time) during a 90° change-of-direction cutting task measured using photoelectric timing gates to assess change-of-direction performance.

  2. 505 Agility Test Time

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention period.

    Execution time during the 505 Agility Test measuring change-of-direction performance, recorded using photoelectric timing gates.

  3. Subjective Functional Confidence and Performance Perception Scores

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention period.

    Self-reported perceptions of functional confidence and perceived performance during change-of-direction movements assessed using Likert-scale questionnaires using a 0-10 Likert scale.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Mathilde Devits, PT, PhD candidate

CONTACT

[email protected]

+32498200017

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Liege

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Impact of a Targeted Prevention Program on Biomechanics and Performance During Change-of-Direction Tasks in Elite Female Soccer Players: An Interventional Study

Acronym: PREV-COD-FF

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 17, 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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