Does flexible proprioception lower the risk of ankle and ACL injuries in pivot-contact sports?
Official title: Relationship Between Proprioceptive Flexibility and the Occurrence of Lower Limb Ligament Injury in Pivot-contact Sports
Run by University Hospital, Montpellier · NCT07028723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether young high-level soccer, rugby, and handball players with more adaptable (flexible) proprioception have fewer lateral ankle sprains and ACL injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Montpellier Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montpellier) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07028723 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are high-level athletes aged 14–25 who regularly play pivot-contact sports (soccer, handball, rugby), have social security affiliation, and have no recent (<6 weeks) lower-limb injury or concussion.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent lower-limb injuries or concussions, known neurological or vestibular disorders, those under court protection, or who cannot attend CHU Montpellier are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study will measure athletes' proprioceptive profile using standardized postural-control and proprioception tests and classify participants as having a flexible or rigid profile. High-level athletes aged 14–25 who play pivot-contact sports will be recruited at CHU Montpellier and followed prospectively for occurrences of lateral ankle sprains and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Key exclusions include recent (<6 weeks) lower-limb injury or concussion, known neurological or vestibular disorders, lack of consent, and legal protections that preclude participation. If a link between proprioceptive rigidity and injury risk is found, it could inform development of targeted prevention programs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to targeted prevention programs that reduce injury downtime and long-term joint problems for young pivot-sport athletes.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is relatively novel: while proprioception-focused prevention programs exist, there is little direct evidence linking a flexible proprioceptive profile to reduced lower-limb ligament injury risk.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Athlete practicing in a high-level program * Aged between 14 and 25 * Practicing a pivot-contact sport (rugby, soccer, handball) Exclusion Criteria: * Lower limb injury \<6 weeks prior to inclusion * Concussion \<6 weeks prior to inclusion * Known neurological or vestibular disorder * Lack of consent from athlete or legal guardians * Non-affiliation with a social security scheme * Persons under court protection * Participant in another study with an ongoing exclusion period
Where it's running
-
CHU Montpellier
Montpellier, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Benoit ATTALIN, MD
- Email: fed-medecinedusport@chu-montpellier.fr
- Phone: +33467330565
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.