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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05560269

Verbal Cueing vs Constraint-Led Approach for Teaching the Kettlebell Swing

The purpose of this study is to determine which method is most effective for teaching the kettlebell swing: verbal cueing, physical constraints, or a combination of the two.

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Key information

Conditions

Movement Disorders Central Nervous System Diseases Muscle Tenderness Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal Pain Myalgia Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida, 32816, United States

About this study

There is a method of teaching and learning movement and exercise skills known as the constraint-led approach. This method of movement learning has the learner exploring and experimenting different variations of an exercise by self-organizing around a set of given constraints of the individual, environment and task. Individual constraints are qualities about the person performing the task such as their arm length and height. Environmental constraints regard the environment where the task is being performed and include factors such as lighting and temperature. Finally, the task constraints are qualities about the movement and exercises being performed such as asking someone to do a half squat onto a box instead of a full bodyweight squat in the air. This constraints way of teaching movement has the movement educator as a guide or architect that shapes the qualities of the task the learner must navigate.

The kettlebell swing was chosen as the primary exercise for this study due to its efficacy and practicality as a functional movement pattern. Current literature suggests that kettlebell swings may elicit an increase in strength measured in the form of a deadlift exercise, which may have carry over to activities of daily living, such as bending over to lift a box with proper form. In a 2016 study, Edinborough et al. examined the proposed implications that repeated kettlebell swings could be used as a practical tool to increase endurance capacity of the lumbar extensor complex. The investigators of this study found that after a 60 second bout of continuous kettlebell swings, participants demonstrated a reduction in isometric strength, demonstrating fatigue of this musculature. The implications of this study suggest that kettlebell swings may increase the fatigue threshold of the lumbar extensor musculature, which may provide protective measures regarding the development of musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, as a decrease in activation of these associated muscles may be apparent during periods of fatigue.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Subjects between the ages of 18 and 55 years.
  • Subjective rating of 3/5 or less on confidence with kettlebell swings.

Exclusion criteria

  • Inability to read and write in English.
  • Previous injury to the lower extremity that prevents normal squatting motion.
  • Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire suggesting inability to safely participate in exercise.

Treatment and study plan

Verbal coaching vs. Constraint based coaching

Behavioral
  • 15 repetitions of kettlebell swings using verbal cues and physical constraints to teach the second part of the movement → 30 seconds to 1 minute rest interval→ 15 repetitions of kettlebell swings using verbal cues and physical constraints to combine both parts of the movement → 30 seconds to 1 minute rest interval
  • 15 repetitions of kettlebell swings using verbal cues to teach the second part of the movement → 30 seconds to 1 minute rest interval→ 15 repetitions of kettlebell swings using verbal cues to combine both parts of the movement → 30 seconds to 1 minute rest interval
  • 15 repetitions of kettlebell swings using physical constraints to teach the second part of the movement → 30 seconds to 1 minute rest interval→ 15 repetitions of kettlebell swings using physical constraints to combine both parts of the movement → 30 seconds to 1 minute rest interval

Primary outcomes

  1. Hip range of motion

    Time frame: Base line and immediately after intervention

    Joint angles of the subject's dominant side of the hip will be measured from a horizontal view using the OnForm app on the ipad. Subjects will have yellow, circular stickers placed on bony landmarks such as the greater trochanter, lateral femoral epicondyle, lateral malleolus, and the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal. The participant will be performing the kettlebell swings without shoes for standardization purposes. These measurements will be compared both pre- and post-test to measure any changes.

  2. Knee range of motion

    Time frame: Base line and immediately after intervention

    Joint angles of the subject's dominant side of the knee will be measured from a horizontal view using the OnForm app on the ipad (as shown below). Subjects will have yellow, circular stickers placed on bony landmarks such as the greater trochanter, lateral femoral epicondyle, lateral malleolus, and the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal. The participant will be performing the kettlebell swings without shoes for standardization purposes. These measurements will be compared both pre- and post-test to measure any changes.

  3. Ankle range of motion

    Time frame: Base line and immediately after intervention

    Joint angles of the subject's dominant side of the ankle will be measured from a horizontal view using the OnForm app on the ipad (as shown below). Subjects will have yellow, circular stickers placed on bony landmarks such as the greater trochanter, lateral femoral epicondyle, lateral malleolus, and the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal. The participant will be performing the kettlebell swings without shoes for standardization purposes. These measurements will be compared both pre- and post-test to measure any changes.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Central Florida

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparing Verbal Cueing and the Constraint-Led Approach for Teaching the Kettlebell Swing

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Sep 29, 2022
Registry last updated
Jun 7, 2024

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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