Female AthletesNCT07486466
ACL Mechanical Property Changes in Female Collegiate Basketball Players During a Competitive Season
An observational study of Female Athletes and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, run by Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
This prospective cohort study aims to investigate whether the mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) undergo measurable changes throughout a competitive basketball season in female collegiate athletes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Female Athletes, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Athletic Performance
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 30 Sep 2025to 30 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- 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 35 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Study population: Elite female collegiate basketball teams
Who may be able to join
- Female collegiate basketball players currently active in Division I
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- At least 5 years of formal basketball training experience
- No prior history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in either knee
- Ability to participate in both pre-season and post-season testing sessions
Who cannot join
- Lower limb injury during the study period resulting in interruption of training for one month or longer
- Bilateral knee surgery for any reason during the course of the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Taiwan1 site
FJUH Institutional Review Board
New Taipei City, Taishan District, 243
About this study
Official title: Mechanical Properties and Performance of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Female Basketball Players Before and After the Season
This prospective cohort study aims to investigate whether the mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) undergo measurable changes throughout a competitive basketball season in female collegiate athletes. Female athletes are at a significantly higher risk for non-contact ACL injuries compared to males. Beyond acute injuries, cumulative stress from high-intensity sports may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's biomechanical properties, potentially increasing injury risk.
Using non-invasive shear wave elastography (SWE) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, the study will monitor 60 elite players before and after the University Basketball League (UBL) season. The findings will help identify potential signs of cumulative loading and contribute to the development of early detection markers for injury risk in female athletes.
Read the detailed description
[Introduction and Rationale] The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical stabilizer of the knee joint, particularly during high-demand athletic activities involving pivoting, rapid deceleration, and landing. Female athletes exhibit a significantly higher incidence (2 to 9 times) of non-contact ACL injuries compared to their male counterparts. While acute trauma is a well-recognized mechanism, emerging evidence suggests that cumulative loading over a competitive season may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's mechanical properties. These changes, such as decreased stiffness, may predispose athletes to injury by compromising joint stability and neuromuscular control. However, objective in vivo data regarding the seasonal adaptation of the ACL in elite athletes remains sparse.
[Study Design and Participants] This prospective cohort study will recruit 60 elite female collegiate basketball players from Division I teams of the University Basketball Association (UBA). The research is designed to track longitudinal changes in ACL integrity and functional performance across a full competitive season.
[Study Procedures]
Participants will undergo standardized assessments at two distinct time points:
Pre-season Assessment (Baseline): Conducted in October, prior to the start of the competitive UBL season.
Post-season Assessment: Conducted in April, following the conclusion of the competitive basketball season.
During each session, two primary modalities will be employed:
- Imaging-based Assessment (Shear Wave Elastography): Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) will be utilized to non-invasively quantify the mechanical properties of the ACL. The assessment will focus on: Shear Wave Speed (m/s) Shear Modulus (kPa) These metrics serve as direct indicators of tissue stiffness and structural integrity. Measurements will be taken with the knee in a consistent, standardized position to ensure reproducibility.
- Functional Biomechanical Performance (Countermovement Jump):
Participants will perform Countermovement Jumps (CMJ) on KFORCE force plates to evaluate lower limb dynamic performance. This functional test provides insight into the athlete's neuromuscular status. Key variables collected will include:
Jump Height (cm) Reactive Strength Index (RSI): Calculated as the ratio of jump height to ground contact time.
Force Metrics: Including eccentric and concentric impulse to analyze force production and absorption strategies.
[Research Goal] By integrating imaging-based mechanical data with functional biomechanical outcomes, this study seeks to identify potential "fatigue" markers or adaptive responses in the ACL resulting from seasonal athletic demands. The findings aim to bridge the gap between clinical imaging and athletic performance, ultimately informing individualized injury prevention strategies and early detection protocols for female athletes at risk.
- Conditions
- Female Athletes, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Athletic Performance, Sports Injuries, Biomechanical Phenomena
- Keywords
- ACL injuries, female basketball players, shear wave elastography, biomechanical variable
- Medical subject headings
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Athletic Injuries
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
ACL Shear Modulus
The shear modulus of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) will be measured using shear wave elastography (SWE). This value serves as a quantitative indicator of ligament tissue stiffness.
Measured: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
ACL Shear Wave Speed
The velocity of shear waves propagating through the ACL tissue, measured via SWE. This value is used to evaluate the structural integrity and density of the ligament tissue.
Measured: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
Calculated as the ratio of jump height to ground contact time (RSI = jump height / ground contact time) during a countermovement jump (CMJ). This index evaluates the explosive power and neuromuscular control of the lower limbs.
Measured: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height
The maximum vertical displacement of the center of mass during a countermovement jump, measured using KFORCE force plates.
Measured: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Mar 2026
- Study start30 Sep 2025
- Primary completion30 Apr 2026
- Study completion30 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Female AthletesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07486466
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FJUH114511
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Mechanical Properties and Performance of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Female Basketball Players Before and After the Season
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07486466
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FJUH114511
- Conditions
- Female Athletes, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Athletic Performance, Sports Injuries, Biomechanical Phenomena
- Keywords
- ACL injuries, female basketball players, shear wave elastography, biomechanical variable
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Fu Jen Catholic University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Mar 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 prospective cohort study aims to investigate whether the mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) undergo measurable changes throughout a competitive basketball season in female collegiate athletes. Female athletes are at a significantly higher risk for non-contact ACL injuries compared to males. Beyond acute injuries, cumulative stress from high-intensity sports may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's biomechanical properties, potentially increasing injury risk.
Using non-invasive shear wave elastography (SWE) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, the study will monitor 60 elite players before and after the University Basketball League (UBL) season. The findings will help identify potential signs of cumulative loading and contribute to the development of early detection markers for injury risk in female athletes.
Detailed description
[Introduction and Rationale] The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical stabilizer of the knee joint, particularly during high-demand athletic activities involving pivoting, rapid deceleration, and landing. Female athletes exhibit a significantly higher incidence (2 to 9 times) of non-contact ACL injuries compared to their male counterparts. While acute trauma is a well-recognized mechanism, emerging evidence suggests that cumulative loading over a competitive season may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's mechanical properties. These changes, such as decreased stiffness, may predispose athletes to injury by compromising joint stability and neuromuscular control. However, objective in vivo data regarding the seasonal adaptation of the ACL in elite athletes remains sparse.
[Study Design and Participants] This prospective cohort study will recruit 60 elite female collegiate basketball players from Division I teams of the University Basketball Association (UBA). The research is designed to track longitudinal changes in ACL integrity and functional performance across a full competitive season.
[Study Procedures]
Participants will undergo standardized assessments at two distinct time points:
Pre-season Assessment (Baseline): Conducted in October, prior to the start of the competitive UBL season.
Post-season Assessment: Conducted in April, following the conclusion of the competitive basketball season.
During each session, two primary modalities will be employed:
- Imaging-based Assessment (Shear Wave Elastography): Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) will be utilized to non-invasively quantify the mechanical properties of the ACL. The assessment will focus on: Shear Wave Speed (m/s) Shear Modulus (kPa) These metrics serve as direct indicators of tissue stiffness and structural integrity. Measurements will be taken with the knee in a consistent, standardized position to ensure reproducibility.
- Functional Biomechanical Performance (Countermovement Jump):
Participants will perform Countermovement Jumps (CMJ) on KFORCE force plates to evaluate lower limb dynamic performance. This functional test provides insight into the athlete's neuromuscular status. Key variables collected will include:
Jump Height (cm) Reactive Strength Index (RSI): Calculated as the ratio of jump height to ground contact time.
Force Metrics: Including eccentric and concentric impulse to analyze force production and absorption strategies.
[Research Goal] By integrating imaging-based mechanical data with functional biomechanical outcomes, this study seeks to identify potential "fatigue" markers or adaptive responses in the ACL resulting from seasonal athletic demands. The findings aim to bridge the gap between clinical imaging and athletic performance, ultimately informing individualized injury prevention strategies and early detection protocols for female athletes at risk.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Elite female collegiate basketball teams
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Female collegiate basketball players currently active in Division I
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- At least 5 years of formal basketball training experience
- No prior history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in either knee
- Ability to participate in both pre-season and post-season testing sessions
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Lower limb injury during the study period resulting in interruption of training for one month or longer
- Bilateral knee surgery for any reason during the course of the study
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
ACL Shear Modulus
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
The shear modulus of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) will be measured using shear wave elastography (SWE). This value serves as a quantitative indicator of ligament tissue stiffness.
ACL Shear Wave Speed
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
The velocity of shear waves propagating through the ACL tissue, measured via SWE. This value is used to evaluate the structural integrity and density of the ligament tissue.
Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
Calculated as the ratio of jump height to ground contact time (RSI = jump height / ground contact time) during a countermovement jump (CMJ). This index evaluates the explosive power and neuromuscular control of the lower limbs.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
The maximum vertical displacement of the center of mass during a countermovement jump, measured using KFORCE force plates.
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 2 Sep 2026.
Related trials for Female Athletes
Recruiting
Feasibility of a Digital Self-help Program for Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HEAL-FHA Pilot)
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Not yet recruiting
Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of the HADAS Program for the Prevention of Eating Disorders in Adolescent Female Athletes, Coaches, and Families.
Eating Disorders, Body Image Dissatisfaction
Enrolling by invitation
Beetroot Juice and Neuromuscular Performance in Female Basketball Players
Nitrate, Placebo - Control
Recruiting
Effect of a Fermented Dairy Protein With Prebiotic Fiber on GI Complaints
Digestive Health, Quality of Life
Enrolling by invitationObservational study
A Descriptive Analysis of the Physiological and Behavioral Profiles of Elite Female Athletes
Female Athletes, Healthy Women
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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Female Athletes and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, run by Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. 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 2 Sep 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 Taiwan. 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?
ACL Shear Modulus (time frame: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)). 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?
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 2 Sep 2026.