Core Strength, Knee Stability
Conditions
Keywords
Core Stability, Knee Stability, Injury Prevention, Biomechanics
Brief summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether an 8-week core stabilization training program can improve abdominal strength and knee stability in physically active women aged 18 to 35. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does core stabilization training improve abdominal endurance as measured by the Prone Bridge Test? Does this training enhance knee stability as measured by the Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, and Drop Vertical Jump? Researchers will compare participants' results before and after the intervention to see whether the training program leads to measurable improvements in strength and stability. Participants will: Complete baseline testing of abdominal strength and knee stability using standardized assessments (Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, Drop Vertical Jump) recorded with a Vicon motion-capture system. Perform an 8-week supervised core stabilization program that includes front plank, side plank, and Nordic hamstring exercises following a structured progression. Complete the same performance tests again after the intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCore Stabilization Training Program
Participants will perform the following exercises for 8 weeks: Front plank: 2 × 30 seconds (with progression including alternating leg lifts) Side plank: 2 × 30 seconds per side (with progression including hip abduction) Nordic hamstring exercise: 2 sets of 3-15 repetitions depending on progression Rest between sets: 30-60 seconds based on perceived exertion. All exercises are performed under supervision prior to regular training sessions.
Sponsors
European University of Madrid
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in abdominal endurance (Prone Bridge Test) | Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention) | Difference from baseline in time (seconds) holding a standardized prone bridge position with neutral alignment, up to voluntary termination or failure to maintain position after three warnings. Higher values indicate greater abdominal endurance. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score) | Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention) | Difference from baseline in the Y-Balance Test composite reach score, expressed as a percentage of limb length and averaged across the three directions. Standard Y-Balance protocol with three trials per direction per limb in a fixed order; best performance used for analysis, recorded with concurrent motion capture. |
| Change in knee control during Lateral Squat Down (knee valgus angle) | Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention) | Difference from baseline in peak frontal-plane knee valgus angle (degrees) of the test limb during the Lateral Squat Down task. Lower valgus angles indicate better knee stability. How it will be assessed: 3D kinematic analysis using a Vicon motion capture system tracking reflective markers on key anatomical landmarks; standardized step height (20 cm) and five repetitions recorded. |
| Change in landing mechanics (Drop Vertical Jump knee valgus angle) | Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention) | Difference from baseline in peak knee valgus angle (degrees) during landing from a 31-cm box immediately followed by a maximal vertical jump. Lower valgus angles indicate improved neuromuscular control. How it will be assessed: 3D motion analysis with Vicon during standardized Drop Vertical Jump (feet 35 cm apart on take-off) |
| Adherence to the core training program | At the end 8-week intervention | Percentage of prescribed sessions completed. Higher values indicate better adherence. Measure Type and Unit: Proportion (%) How it will be assessed: Supervised session logs; adherence calculated as completed/expected sessions × 100%. |
Countries
Spain
Contacts
CONTACTMarina Castel-Sánchez, PhD
Outcome results
None listed