Correlation Between Gastrocnemius Muscle Strain and Functional Performance in Footballers

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Muscle Strain

• Registration Number: NCT07037095
• Lead Sponsor: Superior University

Brief Summary

Footballers are highly prone to lower extremity injuries due to the intense physical demands of the sport, with calf muscle strains, particularly gastrocnemius injuries, being very common. The gastrocnemius muscle plays a critical role in movement, posture, and athletic performance.

Detailed Description

This study aims to determine the correlation between the severity of gastrocnemius muscle strain and functional performance among footballers. Participants aged 18-40 years with clinically diagnosed gastrocnemius strains were assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Hop Test. Severity was categorized through physical examination techniques like palpation, passive dorsiflexion stretch, and resisted plantarflexion tests. Data analysis will explore the relationship between strain severity and functional outcomes, providing valuable insights into rehabilitation strategies and return to play decisions for injured athletes. This study addresses a research gap by focusing specifically on footballers and correlating strain severity with sport-specific functional performance.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-03-04
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Primary Completion: 2025-06-01
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-17
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-17
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-25
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-25
• Study Completion: 2025-09-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 158

Inclusion Criteria

• Both male and female patients aged between 18 and 40 years.
• At least six months of football training.
• The study focused on players with gastrocnemius muscle injury injuries diagnosed by physical examination; palpation, Stretch Test (Passive Dorsiflexion Test), Resisted Plantarflexion Test.
• Willing to provide written informed consent and comply with study protocols.

Exclusion Criteria

• Players with Achilles tendon injuries were excluded from the study.
• History of extrinsic trauma
• soleus or other calf injury not meeting inclusion conditions
• Inability to perform rehabilitation
• No intention to return to full sports act

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)	6 Month	The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a questionnaire used to assess an individual's functional limitations related to their lower extremities. It contains 20 items, each scored on a scale of 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating better function. The total score ranges from 0 to 80, with 80 representing no functional limitations
Hop tests	6 Months	The Hop tests are used to assess lower limb function, particularly after injury, and are scored using the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) by comparing the injured leg's performance to the uninjured leg. A score of 90% or higher on the LSI is generally considered a satisfactory level of recovery, indicating readiness to return to sports.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Superior university support club; 🇵🇰 Lahore, Pakistan