Plyometric Training With or Without Hamstring Strengthening for Preventing ACL Injuries in Female Amateur Athletes
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 60
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Knee Flexion and Extension Strength (Measured Using Handheld Dynamometer)
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This randomized controlled trial explored the effect of plyometric training with or without hamstring strengthening in preventing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female amateur athletes aged 18 to 30. Sixty participants were divided equally into two groups: one received plyometric training combined with hamstring strengthening, and the other received plyometric training only. Both groups trained twice per week over a six-week period. Outcomes measured included knee strength (flexion and extension), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Test), and functional mobility (KOOS).
Detailed Description
This study examined whether combining hamstring strengthening with plyometric training provides greater benefits in preventing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries than plyometric training alone among female amateur athletes. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, the research involved 60 participants aged 18 to 30, randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A underwent a six-week intervention involving both plyometric and hamstring strengthening exercises, while Group B participated in plyometric training only. Each group trained twice weekly, and the outcomes were measured at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6 using a handheld dynamometer for knee strength (flexion and extension), the Star Excursion Balance Test (SET) for dynamic balance, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for functional mobility.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 30 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Female amateur athletes between the ages of 18-30 years old.
- •Participating in sports that involve jumping, cutting and pivoting movements (e.g. basketball, soccer).
- •On average, athletes exercised between six and eight times per week including competition.
- •Able to perform basic jumping and landing mechanics safely.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Recreational athlete or untrained individual
- •Athletes with less than five training sessions per week.
- •Athletes who were operated with techniques other than the bone patellar-tendon, bone graft (BPTB), or who were operated by different surgeons and rehabilitated by several physical therapist.
- •Athletes with a history of muscle or joint injuries.
- •Athletes who had already followed a pre-operative rehabilitation program.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Knee Flexion and Extension Strength (Measured Using Handheld Dynamometer)
Time Frame: Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6
Lower limb strength was assessed through a handheld dynamometer measuring knee flexion and extension in kilograms. This tool has high reliability for assessing muscle strength and functional performance in athletic populations. Measurements were taken at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6 to evaluate changes over time due to the training interventions.
Secondary Outcomes
- Dynamic Balance (Assessed Using Star Excursion Balance Test - SEBT)(Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6)
- Functional Mobility (Assessed Using KOOS - Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score)(Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6)
Investigators
Fareeha Raja
Student
University of Lahore