Myofascial release plus FIFA 11+ to improve hamstring flexibility and lower injury risk in male academy football players
Effect of Myofascial Release Combined With the FIFA 11+ Program on Hamstring Flexibility and Injury Risk in Football Players
This program tests whether adding myofascial release to the FIFA 11+ warm-up improves hamstring flexibility and reduces injury risk for male academy football players aged 16–30.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chakdara, KPK) |
| Trial ID | NCT07484698 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional project will recruit male academy football players aged 16–30 at Riphah International University Malakand Campus to compare a 6-week FIFA 11+ warm-up combined with myofascial release against a routine warm-up. Participants will be assigned to an intervention arm and complete supervised sessions with baseline and post-intervention assessments of hamstring flexibility, hop-test limb symmetry, and other neuromuscular and biomechanical measures. Validated assessment tools will be used and trained staff will conduct testing at baseline and after six weeks. The focus is on modifying biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors for hamstring injury in a local youth football population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Male football players aged 16–30 who can commit to a 6-week FIFA 11+ program, are free of current hamstring injury, and meet baseline functional criteria (including ≥65% LSI on hop tests) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Players with acute or chronic hamstring injury, recent major lower-limb surgery, ongoing rehabilitation or physiotherapy, inability to perform the FIFA 11+ exercises, or failure to meet baseline functional criteria are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined program could improve hamstring flexibility and reduce the likelihood of hamstring injuries in young football players.
How similar studies have performed: FIFA 11+ has strong evidence for reducing lower-limb injury risk, but combining it with myofascial release specifically to improve hamstring flexibility is relatively novel and has limited direct evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male football players aged 16-30 years. * Able to comply with a 6-week FIFA 11+ program. * Provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or chronic hamstring injury. * Recent major surgery of the lower limb or ongoing rehab plan. * Inability to safely perform exercises included in the FIFA 11+ program. * Non-compliance with baseline assessments or the training schedule. * Current musculoskeletal injuries affecting lower limb function. * Unable to achieve ≥65% limb symmetry index (LSI) in any hop test. * Undergoing physiotherapy or post-rehabilitation care.
Where this trial is running
Chakdara, KPK
- Riphah international University Malakand Campus — Chakdara, Kpk, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zavata Afnan, MS NMPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Zavata Afnan, MS NMPT
- Email: zavata.afnan@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03434411214
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.