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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06136299

Neuromuscular Training in Female Youth Soccer

The goal of this clinical trial is to analyze the effectiveness of an NMT-based, injury prevention training program ('FIFA 11+ for Kids') in pre-adolescent (Ages 8 to 11) elite female soccer players by measuring neuromuscular control and motor coordination through pre-intervention and post-intervention testing. As well as monitoring the incidence of injury throughout a soccer season.

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Key information

Conditions

Injury;Sports Athletic Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

8 year–11 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Houston Methodist Hospital

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

About this study

This study will recruit females aged between 8-11 from several teams within a large, competitive elite soccer club. Whole teams will be assigned to either the intervention group or an age-matched control group. Participants will be informed which group they will be placed in prior to participation in the research study. As directed by their respective coaches, the intervention group will receive neuromuscular training (NMT) through an already established, validated protocol (FIFA 11+ Kids); whilst the control group will perform their standard warm-up during soccer practice sessions. The program will last for the duration of the spring soccer season (January - May 2023; 5 months). All study participants will be required to attend two evaluation sessions (pre-intervention and post-intervention) in order to measure performance in speed, agility, hop testing, dynamic balance and strength.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Elite female soccer players aged 8-11.
  • Member of an elite youth soccer club.

Exclusion criteria

  • Female not aged 8-11 years old.
  • Not a member of a youth soccer club.
  • Unable to attend the pre-intervention or post-intervention evaluation, for reasons other than injury.
  • Unable to attend 80% or more of scheduled training sessions.
  • If a participant discontinues playing soccer they will be excluded.
  • Declines to participate in study.

Treatment and study plan

Neuromuscular Training

Other

This intervention uses the FIFA 11+ Kids program as a warm-up during soccer practice sessions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Dynamic balance assessment

    Time frame: Dynamic balance will be measured at two separate timepoints: pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (within 5-months after baseline measures).

    The Y-balance test is a standardized protocol consisting of lower extremity reach in the anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions.

  2. Strength assessment

    Time frame: Strength will be measured at two separate timepoints: pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (within 5-months after baseline measures).

    Hamstring and quadriceps strength will be measured using a handheld dynamometer. Each strength measure will be taken 3 times with the average calculated.

  3. Agility assessment

    Time frame: Agility will be measured at two separate timepoints: pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (within 5-months after baseline measures).

    The Pro-Agility Test utilizes three cones. The farthest cone is sprinted to, the ground is touched with one hand and direction changed back to the starting cone (9.1m sprint). The ground is touched at the starting cone, direction is changed to the 'middle cone' into a 4.6m sprint. Passing the 'middle cone' is the finish line for the test. Each strength measure will be taken 3 times with the average calculated.

  4. Hop testing assessment

    Time frame: Hop performance will be measured at two separate timepoints: pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (within 5-months after baseline measures).

    Participants will complete a single leg hop, triple hop and a timed 6 meter hop

  5. Kinetic jump testing assessment

    Time frame: Kinetic jump performance will be measured at two separate timepoints: pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (within 5-months after baseline measures).

    A countermovement jump and a single leg vertical jump on a force plate platform system.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Injury rates

    Time frame: Duration of spring soccer season, January - May (5 months).

    Injury information provided by coaches and/or parents throughout the spring soccer season.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The Methodist Hospital Research Institute

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Performance and Injury Rate in Elite Female Youth Soccer Players

Acronym: NMT

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Nov 18, 2023
Registry last updated
Nov 18, 2023

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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