Do stronger abdominal muscles help knee stability and prevent injury?
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
This trial will test whether an 8-week core stabilization program improves abdominal endurance and knee stability in physically active women aged 18 to 35.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | European University of Madrid Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid) |
| Trial ID | NCT07499973 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Physically active women aged 18–35 will complete baseline testing of abdominal endurance and knee stability using the Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, and Drop Vertical Jump recorded with a Vicon motion-capture system. Participants will then follow an 8-week supervised core stabilization program that includes front planks, side planks, and Nordic hamstring exercises while a control condition is maintained for comparison. Researchers will compare pre- and post-intervention measurements to identify changes in abdominal strength and biomechanical markers of knee stability. Outcomes focus on changes in prone bridge time and performance on balance and jump tasks as captured by motion analysis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–35 who perform at least 6 hours of regular physical activity per week and can complete the required physical tests are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Men, people older than 35, those with current lower-limb or spinal injuries, pregnant individuals, or those already engaged in structured core training are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase abdominal endurance and knee stability, which may reduce the risk of knee injuries in active young women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows mixed but sometimes positive effects of core-strengthening programs on balance and lower-limb injury risk, so the approach has some supporting evidence but is not definitively proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where this trial is running
Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid
- Universidad Europea de Madrid — Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marina Castel-Sánchez, PhD
- Email: marina.castel@universidadeuropea.es
- Phone: +34679448994
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.