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NCT Number: NCT07499973

Influence of Abdominal Muscle Function on Knee Stability for Injury Prevention

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Core Strength Knee Stability

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidad Europea de Madrid

Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, 28670, Spain

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Marina Castel-Sánchez, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

0034+679448994

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • 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).
  • Willing to comply with the 8-week study procedures (training program or control condition)

Exclusion criteria

  • 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
  • Participation in any structured core-strengthening program during the study period
  • Inability to abstain from core training if assigned to the control group

Treatment and study plan

Core Stabilization Training Program

Behavioral

Participants 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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in abdominal endurance (Prone Bridge Test)

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score)

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)

    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.

  2. Change in knee control during Lateral Squat Down (knee valgus angle)

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)

    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.

  3. Change in landing mechanics (Drop Vertical Jump knee valgus angle)

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)

    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)

  4. Adherence to the core training program

    Time frame: At the end 8-week intervention

    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%.

Study contacts

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

Marina Castel-Sánchez, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+34679448994

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

European University of Madrid

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of Core Neuromuscular Performance as a Determinant of Knee Stability and Injury Prevention in Young Female Athletes Using Vicon 3D Motion Capture and Functional Performance Tests

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 30, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 30, 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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