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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07124286

Effects of Abdominal Bracing Maneuver on the Upper Extremity Performance in Volleyball Athletes

The goal of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the effects of abdominal bracing, a trunk co-activation maneuver that activates core muscles, on upper extremity performance tests in adolescent female volleyball athletes. The main question it aims to answer is:

-Does performing the abdominal bracing maneuver increase the upper extremity performance in adolescent female volleyball athletes?

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Key information

Conditions

Upper Extremity Injury Arm Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

12 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Gazi University

Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study aims to determine the acute effects of abdominal bracing maneuver on the stability and strength of the upper extremity. Trunk co-activation maneuvers, also known as volitional preemptive abdominal contraction or abdominal stabilization maneuvers, are developed to prevent and treat spinal instability by boosting core muscle activity. Since core muscles are essential for providing proximal stabilization and maximal force during various activities, take part in the energy transfer between the upper and lower extremities, and reduce the load on the joints; performing the maneuver may increase the athlete's performance.

Who can participate

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Female adolescent athletes between the ages of 12 and 18
  • Attending a volleyball-specific training program at least two times a week
  • Not having a systemic and/or neurological disorder
  • Not having had a surgery related to upper extremity, lower extremity and/or spine
  • Not having had an upper extremity injury for the past six months

Exclusion criteria

  • Not attending a volleyball-specific training program or attending only once a week
  • Having a systemic and/or neurological disorder
  • Having had a surgery related to upper extremity, lower extremity and/or spine
  • Having had an upper extremity injury for the past six months

Treatment and study plan

Abdominal Bracing Training

Other

The group underwent an abdominal bracing maneuver training. Following the training, they performed the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test and the Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test in 2 conditions: with abdominal bracing and without abdominal bracing.

Primary outcomes

  1. Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test

    Time frame: Day 1

    Participants were asked to perform the test with and without the abdominal bracing maneuver. Stability of the closed kinetic chain was assessed.

  2. Seated Medicine Ball Throw

    Time frame: Day 1

    Participants were asked to perform the test with and without the abdominal bracing maneuver. Open kinetic chain was assessed.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Does Abdominal Bracing Affect the Upper Extremity Performance in Female Adolescent Volleyball Athletes?

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Aug 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 15, 2025

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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