Athletic Performance, Dynamic Stability, Postural Balance
Conditions
Keywords
Reactive Balance Training, Sports Rehabilitation, Change of Direction, Dynamic Stability, Y-Balance Test
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of reactive balance training versus conventional balance training on dynamic stability and change of direction performance. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Each group will receive its respective intervention over a 6-week period. Outcome measures, including dynamic stability assessed by the Y-Balance Test and change-of-direction performance measured using the 505 Agility Test, will be evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. The study is designed to determine which training approach is more effective in improving balance and functional performance.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing two balance training interventions in competitive tennis players. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a reactive balance training group or a conventional balance training group. Both groups will undergo a supervised training program for 6 weeks, with three sessions per week. Each session will include a warm-up, a structured balance training program, and a cool-down phase. The reactive balance training group will perform exercises involving external perturbations, unpredictable stimuli, and sport-specific reactive movements such as sudden directional changes, partner-induced disturbances, and dual-task activities. The conventional balance training group will perform static and controlled balance exercises, including single-leg stance, balance board activities, and slow, predictable movements without external perturbations. Training intensity and duration will be standardized across both groups. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted to evaluate changes in dynamic stability and change-of-direction performance.
Interventions
OTHERExperimental group : Reactive Balance Training
Participants will receive a structured reactive balance training program based on unpredictable perturbation-based exercises requiring rapid postural correction. The intervention will be conducted for 6 weeks (3 sessions/week) and will follow a progressive protocol.
OTHERActive comparator ( Conventional Balance Training)
Participants will receive a structured conventional balance training program based on static and controlled exercises without external perturbation, conducted for 6 weeks (3 sessions/week).
Sponsors
Ibadat International University, Islamabad
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Masking description
Participants will get separate treatment protocols, and possible efforts will be put to mask both groups about the treatment.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male and female competitive tennis players aged 18-25 years. * Minimum 2 years of regular tennis training experience. * Currently training at least 3 sessions per week (minimum 60 minutes per session).
Exclusion criteria
* Recent injury (last 3 months) * Neurological, balance or vestibular disorders * Previous surgery * Participation in any structured balance, neuromuscular, plyometric, or agility training program outside regular tennis practice during the study period. * Use of ankle/knee braces or orthotic devices that may influence balance performance.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Stability | Baseline (Pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks (Post-intervention) | Dynamic stability will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test (Lower Quarter), which measures reach distance in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. The composite score (normalized to limb length) will be used to evaluate postural control and balance performance. |
| Change of Direction Performance | Baseline (Pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks (Post-intervention) | Change-of-direction ability will be assessed using the 505 Agility Test, which measures the time (in seconds) required to accelerate, change direction (180° turn), and return over a set distance. Lower time indicates better performance. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
CONTACTLaiba Zia Laiba Zia, DPT, MSPT (SPORTS)
CONTACTHafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MS-NMPT
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORHafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MSNMPT
IBADAT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD (IIUI)
Outcome results
None listed