Sports Physical TherapyNCT07331636
Comparison of Harmoknee Versus Bounding Exercise Protocol in Football Players
A study testing Harmoknee protocol ( Group A ) and Bounding protocol ( Group B ) in people with Sports Physical Therapy, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This is a randomized clinical trial will recruit male football players aged 18-30 years who regularly participated in sports more than 3 years, with a BMI between 18.5-24.9 kg/m².Athletes with smoking habits, those following other specialized training programs, or those taking any drugs that could affect their… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sports Physical Therapy
- What is being tested?
- Harmoknee protocol ( Group A ) and Bounding protocol ( Group B )
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 21 Mar 2025to 2 Nov 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Inclusion Criteria:• Male football athletes will be included.
- Aged between 18-30 years.
- Minimum 3 years of regular training in sports.
- Athletes containing body mass index between 18.5-24.9kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria:• Individuals with existing smoking habits.
- Players involved in any training program other than conventional training.
- Athletes having consumption of any drugs that could affect performance.
- History of musculoskeletal injury in past 6 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Harmoknee Versus Bounding Exercise Protocol on Strength ,Balance ,Agility and Power in Football Players
This is a randomized clinical trial will recruit male football players aged 18-30 years who regularly participated in sports more than 3 years, with a BMI between 18.5-24.9 kg/m².Athletes with smoking habits, those following other specialized training programs, or those taking any drugs that could affect their performance, and had musculoskeletal injury in past 6 months will be excluded. The sample size will be 36 and participants will randomly divided into two groups (18 in each group): Group A: 8-week Harmoknee program, 3 sessions per week (45 minutes each, including warm-up and cool down). Group B: 8-week Bounding program, following the same schedule. The study will measure strength (1RM Test), balance (Star Excursion Test), agility (T-Test), and muscle power (5 Jump Test) at two points: pre-test (before starting) and post-test (after 8 weeks).
Read the detailed description
Study design: Randomized Clinical Trial Sample size: 36 (18 in each group)
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male football athletes will be included.
- Aged between 18-30 years.
- Minimum 3 years of regular training in sports.
- Athletes containing body mass index between 18.5-24.9kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals with existing smoking habits.
- Players involved in any training program other than conventional training.
- Athletes having consumption of any drugs that could affect performance.
- History of musculoskeletal injury in past 6 months. Sampling techniques Non-probability purposive sampling technique
Tools:
Muscle strength: 1RM Test(ICC -0.97) Balance: Star excursion Test(ICC -0.95) Agility: T-Test(ICC -0.97) Muscle power: 5 Jump Test(ICC -0.94)
- Conditions
- Sports Physical Therapy
- Being tested
- Harmoknee protocol ( Group A ), Bounding protocol ( Group B )
- Keywords
- Harmoknee protocol, Bounding protocol, Football players
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Harmoknee protocol ( Group A )Other
Group A will be selected randomly and assigned to 8-week Harmoknee exercise program 3 sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes (5mins warm-up and 5mins cool down) for assessment of strength and balance.
Bounding protocol ( Group B )Other
Group B will be selected randomly and assigned to 8week Bounding exercise program 3 session per week, each lasting 45 minutes (5mins warm-up and 5mins cool down) for assessment of strength, balance, agility and muscle power.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Group A will be selected randomly and assigned to 8-week Harmoknee exercise program 3 sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes (5mins warm-up and 5mins cool down) for assessment of strength and balance. Receives: Other: Harmoknee protocol ( Group A ) |
| Group B | Experimental | Group B will be selected randomly and assigned to 8week Bounding exercise program 3 session per week, each lasting 45 minutes (5mins warm-up and 5mins cool down) for assessment of strength, balance, agility and muscle power. Receives: Other: Bounding protocol ( Group B ) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Strength Test: 1 Repetition Maximum
The Epley formula is used to estimate a person's 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM)
1RM=w (1+r/30) After performing warm-up with empty barbell in back squat position for 10 times, athlete can rest for 2 minutes. Then athlete will perform same protocol with addition of 35 pounds weight and goal is to perform maximum repetitions. At final phase, weight (35 pounds) and the maximum repetitions performed by athlete will enter in Epley formula to calculate 1RM of each athlete.
Measured: 8 weeks
Balance Test: Star Excursion Balance Test
The athlete stands on one leg in the center of a star-shaped grid, with lines extending in 8 extending at 45 angle. While balancing on one leg, the athlete uses the other leg to reach along each line as far as possible without losing balance. The maximum reach distance in each direction is recorded. The test is performed on both legs for three times, and the average of multiple trials is taken in centimeters. Calculate the distance in each direction as a percentage by following formula.
Average distance in each direction (cm) = Reach 1 + Reach 2 + Reach 3 / 3 Relative distance in each direction (%) = Average distance in each direction / leg
Measured: 8 weeks
Agility Test: T-Test
Four cones are arranged in a "T" shape: one at the starting point (Cone A), two at the left and right points (Cones B and C), and one at the top (Cone D).The athlete starts at Cone A and sprints to Cone D (10m).From Cone D, the athlete side-shuffles to Cone B(5m), then across to Cone C(10m), and back to Cone D(5m).Finally, the athlete backpedals from Cone D to Cone A (10m).The time taken to complete the course is recorded. Each athlete completes three attempts, and the best time recorded by stop watch is used for analysis.
Measured: 8 weeks
Muscle Power Test: 5 Jump Test
The athlete starts behind a starting line, standing with both feet shoulder width apart. When ready, they are to perform five consecutive broad jumps non-stop, using a forward as well as a vertical jump style that allows them to gain maximum distance. They are able to use their arms assist the explosive movement and for balance. Paint or any ink will be used under his shoes to mark his steps correctly. The total distance covered after five jumps is measured from the starting line to the point where the athlete lands on the final jump. Each athlete completes two trials, and the best distance is recorded in cm.Rest periods of 1-2 minutes are provided between trials to prevent fatigue.
Measured: 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Jan 2026
- Study start21 Mar 2025
- Primary completion2 Oct 2025
- Study completion2 Nov 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Sports Physical TherapyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- randomized clinical trial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Hadiqa Mishal, DPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07331636
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0483
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 29 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 12 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Asimakidis ND, Mukandi IN, Beato M, Bishop C, Turner AN. Assessment of Strength and Power Capacities in Elite Male Soccer: A Systematic Review of Test Protocols Used in Practice and Research. Sports Med. 2024 Oct;54(10):2607-2644. doi: 10.1007/s40279-024-02071-8. Epub 2024 Jul 18.
PubMed 39026085Wing CE, Turner AN, Bishop CJ. Importance of Strength and Power on Key Performance Indicators in Elite Youth Soccer. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Jul;34(7):2006-2014. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002446.
PubMed 29373431Keiner M, Kadlubowski B, Sander A, Hartmann H, Wirth K. Effects of 10 Months of Speed, Functional, and Traditional Strength Training on Strength, Linear Sprint, Change of Direction, and Jump Performance in Trained Adolescent Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Aug 1;36(8):2236-2246. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003807. Epub 2020 Aug 27.
PubMed 32868678Keller S, Koob A, Corak D, von Schoning V, Born DP. How to Improve Change-of-Direction Speed in Junior Team Sport Athletes-Horizontal, Vertical, Maximal, or Explosive Strength Training? J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Feb;34(2):473-482. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002814.
PubMed 30199451Franca C, Gouveia ER, Martins F, Ihle A, Henriques R, Marques A, Sarmento H, Przednowek K, Lopes H. Lower-Body Power, Body Composition, Speed, and Agility Performance among Youth Soccer Players. Sports (Basel). 2024 May 16;12(5):135. doi: 10.3390/sports12050135.
PubMed 38787004
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Harmoknee Versus Bounding Exercise Protocol on Strength ,Balance ,Agility and Power in Football Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07331636
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0483
- Conditions
- Sports Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Harmoknee protocol, Bounding protocol, Football players
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 21 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 2 Nov 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 12 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This is a randomized clinical trial will recruit male football players aged 18-30 years who regularly participated in sports more than 3 years, with a BMI between 18.5-24.9 kg/m².Athletes with smoking habits, those following other specialized training programs, or those taking any drugs that could affect their performance, and had musculoskeletal injury in past 6 months will be excluded. The sample size will be 36 and participants will randomly divided into two groups (18 in each group): Group A: 8-week Harmoknee program, 3 sessions per week (45 minutes each, including warm-up and cool down). Group B: 8-week Bounding program, following the same schedule. The study will measure strength (1RM Test), balance (Star Excursion Test), agility (T-Test), and muscle power (5 Jump Test) at two points: pre-test (before starting) and post-test (after 8 weeks).
Detailed description
Study design: Randomized Clinical Trial Sample size: 36 (18 in each group)
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male football athletes will be included.
- Aged between 18-30 years.
- Minimum 3 years of regular training in sports.
- Athletes containing body mass index between 18.5-24.9kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals with existing smoking habits.
- Players involved in any training program other than conventional training.
- Athletes having consumption of any drugs that could affect performance.
- History of musculoskeletal injury in past 6 months. Sampling techniques Non-probability purposive sampling technique
Tools:
Muscle strength: 1RM Test(ICC -0.97) Balance: Star excursion Test(ICC -0.95) Agility: T-Test(ICC -0.97) Muscle power: 5 Jump Test(ICC -0.94)
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- randomized clinical trial
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Other: Harmoknee protocol ( Group A )Group A will be selected randomly and assigned to 8-week Harmoknee exercise program 3 sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes (5mins warm-up and 5mins cool down) for assessment of strength and balance. |
| Group B | Experimental | Other: Bounding protocol ( Group B )Group B will be selected randomly and assigned to 8week Bounding exercise program 3 session per week, each lasting 45 minutes (5mins warm-up and 5mins cool down) for assessment of strength, balance, agility and muscle power. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Harmoknee protocol ( Group A )Group A will be selected randomly and assigned to 8-week Harmoknee exercise program 3 sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes (5mins warm-up and 5mins cool down) for assessment of strength and balance. | Other | Group A |
| Bounding protocol ( Group B )Group B will be selected randomly and assigned to 8week Bounding exercise program 3 session per week, each lasting 45 minutes (5mins warm-up and 5mins cool down) for assessment of strength, balance, agility and muscle power. | Other | Group B |
Primary outcome
Strength Test: 1 Repetition Maximum
Time frame: 8 weeks
The Epley formula is used to estimate a person's 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) 1RM=w (1+r/30) After performing warm-up with empty barbell in back squat position for 10 times, athlete can rest for 2 minutes. Then athlete will perform same protocol with addition of 35 pounds weight and goal is to perform maximum repetitions. At final phase, weight (35 pounds) and the maximum repetitions performed by athlete will enter in Epley formula to calculate 1RM of each athlete.
Balance Test: Star Excursion Balance Test
Time frame: 8 weeks
The athlete stands on one leg in the center of a star-shaped grid, with lines extending in 8 extending at 45 angle. While balancing on one leg, the athlete uses the other leg to reach along each line as far as possible without losing balance. The maximum reach distance in each direction is recorded. The test is performed on both legs for three times, and the average of multiple trials is taken in centimeters. Calculate the distance in each direction as a percentage by following formula. Average distance in each direction (cm) = Reach 1 + Reach 2 + Reach 3 / 3 Relative distance in each direction (%) = Average distance in each direction / leg
Agility Test: T-Test
Time frame: 8 weeks
Four cones are arranged in a "T" shape: one at the starting point (Cone A), two at the left and right points (Cones B and C), and one at the top (Cone D).The athlete starts at Cone A and sprints to Cone D (10m).From Cone D, the athlete side-shuffles to Cone B(5m), then across to Cone C(10m), and back to Cone D(5m).Finally, the athlete backpedals from Cone D to Cone A (10m).The time taken to complete the course is recorded. Each athlete completes three attempts, and the best time recorded by stop watch is used for analysis.
Muscle Power Test: 5 Jump Test
Time frame: 8 weeks
The athlete starts behind a starting line, standing with both feet shoulder width apart. When ready, they are to perform five consecutive broad jumps non-stop, using a forward as well as a vertical jump style that allows them to gain maximum distance. They are able to use their arms assist the explosive movement and for balance. Paint or any ink will be used under his shoes to mark his steps correctly. The total distance covered after five jumps is measured from the starting line to the point where the athlete lands on the final jump. Each athlete completes two trials, and the best distance is recorded in cm.Rest periods of 1-2 minutes are provided between trials to prevent fatigue.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Jan 2026.
- Background: PubMed 39026085Asimakidis ND, Mukandi IN, Beato M, Bishop C, Turner AN. Assessment of Strength and Power Capacities in Elite Male Soccer: A Systematic Review of Test Protocols Used in Practice and Research. Sports Med. 2024 Oct;54(10):2607-2644. doi: 10.1007/s40279-024-02071-8. Epub 2024 Jul 18.
- Background: PubMed 29373431Wing CE, Turner AN, Bishop CJ. Importance of Strength and Power on Key Performance Indicators in Elite Youth Soccer. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Jul;34(7):2006-2014. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002446.
- Background: PubMed 32868678Keiner M, Kadlubowski B, Sander A, Hartmann H, Wirth K. Effects of 10 Months of Speed, Functional, and Traditional Strength Training on Strength, Linear Sprint, Change of Direction, and Jump Performance in Trained Adolescent Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Aug 1;36(8):2236-2246. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003807. Epub 2020 Aug 27.
- Background: PubMed 30199451Keller S, Koob A, Corak D, von Schoning V, Born DP. How to Improve Change-of-Direction Speed in Junior Team Sport Athletes-Horizontal, Vertical, Maximal, or Explosive Strength Training? J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Feb;34(2):473-482. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002814.
- Background: PubMed 38787004Franca C, Gouveia ER, Martins F, Ihle A, Henriques R, Marques A, Sarmento H, Przednowek K, Lopes H. Lower-Body Power, Body Composition, Speed, and Agility Performance among Youth Soccer Players. Sports (Basel). 2024 May 16;12(5):135. doi: 10.3390/sports12050135.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Hadiqa Mishal, DPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Harmoknee protocol ( Group A ) and Bounding protocol ( Group B ) in people with Sports Physical Therapy, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Strength Test: 1 Repetition Maximum (time frame: 8 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07331636, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Jan 2026.