Core StrengthNCT07499973
Influence of Abdominal Muscle Function on Knee Stability for Injury Prevention
A study testing Core Stabilization Training Program in people with Core Strength and Knee Stability, run by European University of Madrid at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether an 8-week core stabilization training program can improve abdominal strength and knee stability in physically active women aged 18 to 35. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Core Strength, Knee Stability
- What is being tested?
- Core Stabilization Training Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 35 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 6 Mar 2026to Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Female participants
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Performing regular physical activity ≥ 6 hours per week.
- Able to complete all assessment procedures (Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, Drop Vertical Jump).
- Willing to comply with the 8-week study procedures (training program or control condition)
Who cannot join
- Current musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower limbs, trunk, or spine
- History of surgery in the lower limbs or spine in the past 12 months
- Known neurological, cardiovascular, or systemic conditions that may interfere with physical testing
- Pregnancy
- Participation in any structured core-strengthening program during the study period
- Inability to abstain from core training if assigned to the control group
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Spain1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Universidad Europea de Madrid
Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, 28670
Marina Castel-Sánchez, PhD, 0034+679448994, marina.castel@universidadeuropea.es
About this study
Official title: Investigation of Core Neuromuscular Performance as a Determinant of Knee Stability and Injury Prevention in Young Female Athletes Using Vicon 3D Motion Capture and Functional Performance Tests
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether an 8-week core stabilization training program can improve abdominal strength and knee stability in physically active women aged 18 to 35. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does core stabilization training improve abdominal endurance as measured by the Prone Bridge Test? Does this training enhance knee stability as measured by the Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, and Drop Vertical Jump?
Read more
Researchers will compare participants' results before and after the intervention to see whether the training program leads to measurable improvements in strength and stability.
Participants will:
Complete baseline testing of abdominal strength and knee stability using standardized assessments (Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, Drop Vertical Jump) recorded with a Vicon motion-capture system.
Perform an 8-week supervised core stabilization program that includes front plank, side plank, and Nordic hamstring exercises following a structured progression.
Complete the same performance tests again after the intervention.
- Conditions
- Core Strength, Knee Stability
- Being tested
- Core Stabilization Training Program
- Keywords
- Core Stability, Knee Stability, Injury Prevention, Biomechanics
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Core Stabilization Training ProgramBehavioural
Participants will perform the following exercises for 8 weeks:
Front plank: 2 × 30 seconds (with progression including alternating leg lifts) Side plank: 2 × 30 seconds per side (with progression including hip abduction) Nordic hamstring exercise: 2 sets of 3-15 repetitions depending on progression Rest between sets: 30-60 seconds based on perceived exertion. All exercises are performed under supervision prior to regular training sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stabilization Training Program | Experimental | Participants assigned to the Experimental Group will complete an 8-week supervised core stabilization training program. The program is performed as a pre-training activation routine and follows the structure described in Başandaç et al. (2025). Exercises include progressive front plank, side plank, and Nordic hamstring training. All sessions are supervised to ensure proper technique and adherence. Receives: Behavioral: Core Stabilization Training Program |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants will maintain their usual activity level and will not perform any core stabilization exercises during the 8-week study period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in abdominal endurance (Prone Bridge Test)
Difference from baseline in time (seconds) holding a standardized prone bridge position with neutral alignment, up to voluntary termination or failure to maintain position after three warnings. Higher values indicate greater abdominal endurance.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score)
Difference from baseline in the Y-Balance Test composite reach score, expressed as a percentage of limb length and averaged across the three directions. Standard Y-Balance protocol with three trials per direction per limb in a fixed order; best performance used for analysis, recorded with concurrent motion capture.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in knee control during Lateral Squat Down (knee valgus angle)
Difference from baseline in peak frontal-plane knee valgus angle (degrees) of the test limb during the Lateral Squat Down task. Lower valgus angles indicate better knee stability.
How it will be assessed: 3D kinematic analysis using a Vicon motion capture system tracking reflective markers on key anatomical landmarks; standardized step height (20 cm) and five repetitions recorded.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in landing mechanics (Drop Vertical Jump knee valgus angle)
Difference from baseline in peak knee valgus angle (degrees) during landing from a 31-cm box immediately followed by a maximal vertical jump. Lower valgus angles indicate improved neuromuscular control.
How it will be assessed: 3D motion analysis with Vicon during standardized Drop Vertical Jump (feet 35 cm apart on take-off)
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Adherence to the core training program
Percentage of prescribed sessions completed. Higher values indicate better adherence.
Measure Type and Unit: Proportion (%) How it will be assessed: Supervised session logs; adherence calculated as completed/expected sessions × 100%.
Measured: At the end 8-week intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Mar 2026
- Study start6 Mar 2026
- Primary completionJul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Core StrengthStudies 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- European University of Madrid
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Marina Castel Sánchez, European University of Madrid
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07499973
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UEM-2026-COREKNEE-01
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of Core Neuromuscular Performance as a Determinant of Knee Stability and Injury Prevention in Young Female Athletes Using Vicon 3D Motion Capture and Functional Performance Tests
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07499973
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UEM-2026-COREKNEE-01
- Conditions
- Core Strength, Knee Stability
- Keywords
- Core Stability, Knee Stability, Injury Prevention, Biomechanics
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- European University of MadridUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 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.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether an 8-week core stabilization training program can improve abdominal strength and knee stability in physically active women aged 18 to 35. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does core stabilization training improve abdominal endurance as measured by the Prone Bridge Test? Does this training enhance knee stability as measured by the Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, and Drop Vertical Jump?
Researchers will compare participants' results before and after the intervention to see whether the training program leads to measurable improvements in strength and stability.
Participants will:
Complete baseline testing of abdominal strength and knee stability using standardized assessments (Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, Drop Vertical Jump) recorded with a Vicon motion-capture system.
Perform an 8-week supervised core stabilization program that includes front plank, side plank, and Nordic hamstring exercises following a structured progression.
Complete the same performance tests again after the intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stabilization Training Program | Experimental | Behavioral: Core Stabilization Training ProgramParticipants assigned to the Experimental Group will complete an 8-week supervised core stabilization training program. The program is performed as a pre-training activation routine and follows the structure described in Başandaç et al. (2025). Exercises include progressive front plank, side plank, and Nordic hamstring training. All sessions are supervised to ensure proper technique and adherence. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants will maintain their usual activity level and will not perform any core stabilization exercises during the 8-week study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Female participants
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Performing regular physical activity ≥ 6 hours per week.
- Able to complete all assessment procedures (Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, Drop Vertical Jump).
- Willing to comply with the 8-week study procedures (training program or control condition)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Current musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower limbs, trunk, or spine
- History of surgery in the lower limbs or spine in the past 12 months
- Known neurological, cardiovascular, or systemic conditions that may interfere with physical testing
- Pregnancy
- Participation in any structured core-strengthening program during the study period
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stabilization Training ProgramParticipants will perform the following exercises for 8 weeks: Front plank: 2 × 30 seconds (with progression including alternating leg lifts) Side plank: 2 × 30 seconds per side (with progression including hip abduction) Nordic hamstring exercise: 2 sets of 3-15 repetitions depending on progression Rest between sets: 30-60 seconds based on perceived exertion. All exercises are performed under supervision prior to regular training sessions. | Behavioural | Core Stabilization Training Program |
Primary outcome
Change in abdominal endurance (Prone Bridge Test)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Difference from baseline in time (seconds) holding a standardized prone bridge position with neutral alignment, up to voluntary termination or failure to maintain position after three warnings. Higher values indicate greater abdominal endurance.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in knee control during Lateral Squat Down (knee valgus angle)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in landing mechanics (Drop Vertical Jump knee valgus angle)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Adherence to the core training program
Time frame: At the end 8-week intervention
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Core Stabilization Training Program in people with Core Strength and Knee Stability, run by European University of Madrid at 1 site in Spain.
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 6 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Mar 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 Spain. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Marina Castel-Sánchez, PhD (+34679448994, marina.castel@universidadeuropea.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in abdominal endurance (Prone Bridge Test) (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)). 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 30 Mar 2026.