None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study is a randomized experimental trial that aims to compare the benefits of uphill running with plyometric exercises, focusing on their effects on physical performance improvements and the prevalence of running-related injuries among recreational runners. By establishing the effectiveness of uphill running and tailoring the intervention based on evidence-based practices, this research seeks to contribute to the development of safer and more effective training strategies for recreational runners. Results from the study also aim to promote uphill running as an alternative approach in late phase rehabilitation program for recreational runners.
Interventions
A two-arm parallel design, single-blinded (assessor) randomized experimental trial, where 28 study participants are randomly assigned into uphill running and plyometric training group to compare the effects of two different active intervention on specific outcome measures without a control group. This study will be conducted according to the CONSORT protocol at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur. The stipulated area is open to public and easily accessible due to nearby parks and it is a well known runn
A two-arm parallel design, single-blinded (assessor) randomized experimental trial, where 28 study participants are randomly assigned into uphill running and plyometric training group to compare the effects of two different active intervention on specific outcome measures without a control group. This study will be conducted according to the CONSORT protocol at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur. The stipulated area is open to public and easily accessible due to nearby parks and it is a well known running location for runners. Uphill running group (n=14) will perform uphill sprints ranging from 20m-50m, a 10m mark signage will be placed at the curb-side to inform participants the distances they need to cover, e.g. 30m uphill sprint will have 3 signage on every 10m mark distance. All participants will be completing the sprint in groups, and they will be asked to remember the number of sprints they did, the number of sprints completed by the participants will be double checked and verified again by an assistance researcher (who is not involved in intervention, randomization, outcome assessment & recruitment of participants) with a hand-held tally counter and the number of sets completed will be marked on a piece of blank paper, at the bottom of the hill where participants will stand again at the starting line to repeat the uphill sprints. A score board for numbers of completed repetition will be placed at the bottom of the hill to inform participants how many repetitions left to go. Below are the examples of uphill sprints in the context of repetitions and sets that will progress until week-8 adapted from Hindistan et al. 2020. Week 1-2: 20m uphill sprint x 3 reps x 4 sets; week 3-4: 30m uphill sprint x 4 reps x 4 sets; week 5-6: 30m uphill sprint x 5 reps x 1st set/40m uphill sprint x 4 reps x 2nd set/30m uphill sprint x 5 reps x 3rd set/40m uphill sprint x 4 reps x 4th set; week 7-8: 40m uphill sprint x 5 reps x 1st set/50m uphill sprint x 5 reps x 2nd set/40m uphill sprint x 5 reps x 3rd set/50m uphill sprint x 5 reps x 4th set. Duration of each training are expected to be approximately 1 hour. While plyometric training group (n=14) will perform plyometric exercises such as double and single leg 30cm hurdle hops, alternate leg bounds and split jumps for the duration of 8-weeks, twice per week. A certified physiotherapist, who has 5 years working experience is trained to rigorously follow the intervention protocol will be responsible for administrating the assigned interventions (uphill running or plyometric training) and supervising participants throughout the 8-weeks intervention period. The physiotherapist will not be involved in the recruitment, randomization or outcome assessment processes. Outcomes will be assessed using validated tools, including VAS for self-reported muscle soreness, hip adductor strength (measured using force gauge), Y-balance test for physical function, 5km time trial, and single-leg hop test for performance metrics. Lower limb injury risk will be interpreted based on findings from limb asymmetry in terms of strength and dynamic balance.
Sponsors
Tham Sze Kei (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Healthy adult aged 18-55 years old, able to read and speak in English or Bahasa, have minimum one year of running experience, included participants are required to engage in running at least three times per week, covering a minimum mileage of 25km-60km per week.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they are having acute musculoskeletal injuries for the past 6 months or having surgical history at lower back or lower extremities for the past 1 year, having any uncontrollable chronic illness that would hinder participation in the intervention or physical metrics measurements (e.g. heart disease, stroke, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, COPD, asthma and arthritis). Participants will be excluded if they are currently engaged in any structured training programs, including resistance or bodyweight training performed once per week or more, systematic running regime, with specific mileage and intensity goals adapted from running applications, websites or under the guidance of a running coach.
Outcome results
None listed