Athletic Injuries/Prevention and ControlNCT07573605
Core Stability Training Combined With Plyometric Exercises on Vertical Jump Performance:
A study testing Core stability exercises with plyometric training and Plyometric exercise alone in people with Athletic Injuries/Prevention and Control, run by Gulf Medical University at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
Trial summary
This study protocol investigates whether adding core stability training to a plyometric training program enhances vertical jump performance in elite high jump athletes over a six-week period. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 24 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletic Injuries/Prevention and Control
- What is being tested?
- Core stability exercises with plyometric training and Plyometric exercise alone
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 27 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Arab Emirates
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2016to 1 May 2017
- 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 19 to 24 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Elite voluntary high jump athletes (male and/or female)
- Age range between 19-24 years
- Minimum of 3 years of structured high jump training experience
- Currently participating in regular training (at least 3 sessions per week)
- Medically fit to participate in plyometric and core stability training
- Enrolled in this study
Who cannot join
- History of lower limb musculoskeletal trauma within the past three months
- Chronic asthma
- Ongoing physiotherapy for musculoskeletal pain
- Neurological conditions
- History of severe anxiety and depression
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United Arab Emirates1 site
Watson Arulsingh
Al Jurf, Ajman Emirate, 4184
About this study
Official title: Effect of Core Stability Training Added to Plyometric Exercises on Vertical Jump Performance in High Jump Athletes: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial
This study protocol investigates whether adding core stability training to a plyometric training program enhances vertical jump performance in elite high jump athletes over a six-week period. It is hypothesized that combined core stability and plyometric training will result in greater improvements in vertical jump distance compared to plyometric training alone.
Elite high jump athletes are allocated into two groups based on their existing training squads: a combined intervention group (COMBO) receiving both core stability and plyometric training, and a plyometric-only group (PLYO). Both groups follow a structured six-week training program, with vertical jump distance measured before and after the intervention period to assess changes in performance.
From a clinical and applied sports science perspective, the findings of this protocol may help determine whether incorporating core stability exercises into existing plyometric programs provides additional benefit for improving explosive lower-limb performance, thereby informing evidence-based training prescription for high jump athletes.
Read the detailed description
This study is a six-week, non-randomized, two-arm comparative intervention designed to evaluate the effects of combined core stability and plyometric training versus plyometric training alone on vertical jump performance in elite high jump athletes.
A total of eligible elite high jump athletes are allocated into two groups based on their existing training squads to minimize disruption to routine coaching structures. This non-randomized allocation reflects real-world training environments. The intervention group (COMBO) receives a combined program of core stability and plyometric training, while the comparison group (PLYO) performs plyometric training alone.
Plyometric Training Protocol (Both Groups - COMBO and PLYO)
The plyometric program is designed to enhance explosive power, speed, and agility using structured progressive exercises. Equipment includes variable-sized Swiss balls, 45 cm plyometric boxes for box jumps, a 30 cm depth jump box, sports cones for agility drills, and a synthetic long jump surface.
Each training session begins with a 5-10 minute active warm-up involving light jogging, dynamic stretching, and mobility exercises, and ends with a 10-minute cool-down phase. Participants continue their regular resistance training twice weekly on non-consecutive days targeting upper body, lower body, and trunk muscle groups.
Plyometric exercises are organized according to progression principles based on intensity, coordination, balance demands, limb involvement, and impact level. Training progresses from low-impact bilateral linear jumps to higher-intensity multidirectional and single-leg landing drills, with gradual increases in complexity to improve neuromuscular control and landing mechanics.
Core Stability Training Protocol (COMBO Group Only)
The core stability program follows a structured progression from basic stabilization to dynamic control based on established core training principles.
Week 1 includes supine pelvic tilts, lunge-position pelvic control exercises, and bilateral pelvic bridges. Week 2 progresses to unilateral pelvic bridges and quadruped bracing exercises without Swiss ball support. Weeks 3 and 4 focus on static core stability tasks, including contralateral single-leg holds and quadruped exercises using a Swiss ball. During Weeks 5 and 6, dynamic core exercises such as upper body roll-outs are introduced once adequate control is achieved.
Core stability exercises are performed for 12-15 minutes per session, with 8-10 repetitions per set and 2-3 sets per session, three times per week for six weeks.
Training Delivery and Supervision
Both interventions are demonstrated prior to commencement by two qualified physical therapists and two athletic coaches. Training is conducted at separate training sites according to group allocation. The structure of each program remains consistent throughout the intervention period.
Outcome Measurement
The primary outcome is vertical jump distance measured in centimeters using a standardized protocol. Participants perform a standing reach test followed by a maximal vertical jump. Jump height is calculated as the difference between standing reach and maximal jump reach. Each participant performs three trials, and the highest value is used for analysis. Assessments are conducted before and after the six-week intervention by an independent blinded assessor.
- Conditions
- Athletic Injuries/Prevention and Control
- Being tested
- Core stability exercises with plyometric training, Plyometric exercise alone
- Keywords
- Athletic performance, Muscle Strength, Core stability, Vertical jump
- Medical subject headings
- Athletic Injuries
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Core stability exercises with plyometric trainingOther
Participants receive both core stability and plyometric training. The core program begins with basic stabilization exercises and progressively advances to moderate-level training based on established principles. Week 1 includes pelvic tilts and bilateral bridges; Week 2 progresses to unilateral bridges and quadruped bracing without a Swiss ball. This is followed by two weeks of static exercises (e.g., contralateral single-leg holds, quadruped with Swiss ball), and finally dynamic exercises such as upper body roll-outs in the last two weeks.
Core exercises are performed for 12-15 minutes per session, with 8-10 repetitions per set, 2-3 sets per session, three times per week for six weeks. Both interventions are demonstrated by qualified physical therapists and athletic coaches at different training sites.
Plyometric exercise aloneOther
Also called PLYO
The plyometric training program uses variable-sized Swiss balls, 45 cm plyometric boxes for box jumps, a 30 cm depth jump box, sports cones, and a synthetic long jump surface. Each session begins with a 5-10 minute warm-up involving light jogging, dynamic stretching, and mobility exercises, and ends with a 10-minute cool-down. Participants continue their regular resistance training twice weekly on non-consecutive days, targeting major muscle groups.
The program is designed to improve speed, agility, and quickness and follows a structured progression based on exercise complexity and intensity (low to high), considering balance, coordination, limb involvement, and impact level. It begins with simple, low-impact bilateral linear jumps and progresses to complex, high-impact, multidirectional and single-leg landing drills based on participant readiness, promoting gradual improvements in strength, control, and landing mechanics.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric training alone | Active comparator | The plyometric training program uses variable-sized Swiss balls, 45 cm plyometric boxes for box jumps, a 30 cm box for depth jumps, sports cones for agility drills, and a synthetic long jump surface. Each session begins with a 5-10 minute active warm-up consisting of light jogging, dynamic stretching, and mobility exercises, followed by the plyometric training protocol, and concludes with a 10-minute cool-down period. Participants are instructed to continue their regular resistance training twice per week on non-consecutive days, targeting the upper body, lower body, and trunk, as per standard training Receives: Other: Plyometric exercise alone |
| Combined core-plyometric (COMBO) training | Experimental | The core training regimen begins with fundamental core stabilization exercises and progresses to moderate-level training based on established core training principles. During the first week, exercises include pelvic tilts in supine and lunge positions, along with bilateral pelvic bridges. In the second week, the program progresses to unilateral pelvic bridges and quadruped bracing exercises performed without a Swiss ball. This is followed by two weeks of static core exercises, including contralateral single-leg holds and quadruped positioning using a Swiss ball. Once participants demonstrate adequate control and confidence with static exercises, dynamic movements such as upper body roll-outs are progressively introduced during the final two weeks of the program.
Core stability exercises are performed for 12-15 minutes per session, with 8-10 repetitions per set and 2-3 sets per session, three times per week for six weeks. Receives: Other: Core stability exercises with plyometric training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Vertical Jump test
Vertical Jump test
Measured: "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks"
Vertical Jump test
The primary outcome variable of this study is vertical jump distance, measured in centimetres following standard assessment guidelines. Participants begin from a static standing position and are instructed to reach upward maximally with one hand to establish the standing reach height. They then perform a maximal vertical jump after flexing their knees to approximately 90°, aiming to reach as high as possible. The vertical jump distance is calculated as the difference between the standing reach height and the highest point touched during the jump. An independent assessor, blinded to the intervention allocation, records all measurements. Each participant performs three trials, and the highest value obtained is used for statistical analysis.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 May 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2016
- Primary completion1 Apr 2017
- Study completion1 May 2017
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Athletic Injuries/Prevention and ControlStudies 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
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Gulf Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Alva's College of Physiotherapy
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Watson Arulsingh, PhD, Study chair, Gulf Medical University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07573605
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ACP/OP/2016/OL 02
- Other IDs
- ACP/OP/2016/OL 02
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 11 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 7 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared with other researchers. Institutional policies and the approved ethics protocol do not permit external sharing of raw participant data. Additionally, participants provided informed consent only for the use of their data in aggregated, de-identified form for publication purposes. Only summary statistics and final outcome measures will be reported in the manuscript.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Core Stability Training Added to Plyometric Exercises on Vertical Jump Performance in High Jump Athletes: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07573605
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ACP/OP/2016/OL 02
- Conditions
- Athletic Injuries/Prevention and Control
- Keywords
- Athletic performance, Muscle Strength, Core stability, Vertical jump
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Gulf Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Alva's College of Physiotherapy
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2016 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Apr 2017 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 May 2017 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 May 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 study protocol investigates whether adding core stability training to a plyometric training program enhances vertical jump performance in elite high jump athletes over a six-week period. It is hypothesized that combined core stability and plyometric training will result in greater improvements in vertical jump distance compared to plyometric training alone.
Elite high jump athletes are allocated into two groups based on their existing training squads: a combined intervention group (COMBO) receiving both core stability and plyometric training, and a plyometric-only group (PLYO). Both groups follow a structured six-week training program, with vertical jump distance measured before and after the intervention period to assess changes in performance.
From a clinical and applied sports science perspective, the findings of this protocol may help determine whether incorporating core stability exercises into existing plyometric programs provides additional benefit for improving explosive lower-limb performance, thereby informing evidence-based training prescription for high jump athletes.
Detailed description
This study is a six-week, non-randomized, two-arm comparative intervention designed to evaluate the effects of combined core stability and plyometric training versus plyometric training alone on vertical jump performance in elite high jump athletes.
A total of eligible elite high jump athletes are allocated into two groups based on their existing training squads to minimize disruption to routine coaching structures. This non-randomized allocation reflects real-world training environments. The intervention group (COMBO) receives a combined program of core stability and plyometric training, while the comparison group (PLYO) performs plyometric training alone.
Plyometric Training Protocol (Both Groups - COMBO and PLYO)
The plyometric program is designed to enhance explosive power, speed, and agility using structured progressive exercises. Equipment includes variable-sized Swiss balls, 45 cm plyometric boxes for box jumps, a 30 cm depth jump box, sports cones for agility drills, and a synthetic long jump surface.
Each training session begins with a 5-10 minute active warm-up involving light jogging, dynamic stretching, and mobility exercises, and ends with a 10-minute cool-down phase. Participants continue their regular resistance training twice weekly on non-consecutive days targeting upper body, lower body, and trunk muscle groups.
Plyometric exercises are organized according to progression principles based on intensity, coordination, balance demands, limb involvement, and impact level. Training progresses from low-impact bilateral linear jumps to higher-intensity multidirectional and single-leg landing drills, with gradual increases in complexity to improve neuromuscular control and landing mechanics.
Core Stability Training Protocol (COMBO Group Only)
The core stability program follows a structured progression from basic stabilization to dynamic control based on established core training principles.
Week 1 includes supine pelvic tilts, lunge-position pelvic control exercises, and bilateral pelvic bridges. Week 2 progresses to unilateral pelvic bridges and quadruped bracing exercises without Swiss ball support. Weeks 3 and 4 focus on static core stability tasks, including contralateral single-leg holds and quadruped exercises using a Swiss ball. During Weeks 5 and 6, dynamic core exercises such as upper body roll-outs are introduced once adequate control is achieved.
Core stability exercises are performed for 12-15 minutes per session, with 8-10 repetitions per set and 2-3 sets per session, three times per week for six weeks.
Training Delivery and Supervision
Both interventions are demonstrated prior to commencement by two qualified physical therapists and two athletic coaches. Training is conducted at separate training sites according to group allocation. The structure of each program remains consistent throughout the intervention period.
Outcome Measurement
The primary outcome is vertical jump distance measured in centimeters using a standardized protocol. Participants perform a standing reach test followed by a maximal vertical jump. Jump height is calculated as the difference between standing reach and maximal jump reach. Each participant performs three trials, and the highest value is used for analysis. Assessments are conducted before and after the six-week intervention by an independent blinded assessor.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric training alone | Active comparator | Other: Plyometric exercise aloneThe plyometric training program uses variable-sized Swiss balls, 45 cm plyometric boxes for box jumps, a 30 cm box for depth jumps, sports cones for agility drills, and a synthetic long jump surface. Each session begins with a 5-10 minute active warm-up consisting of light jogging, dynamic stretching, and mobility exercises, followed by the plyometric training protocol, and concludes with a 10-minute cool-down period. Participants are instructed to continue their regular resistance training twice per week on non-consecutive days, targeting the upper body, lower body, and trunk, as per standard training |
| Combined core-plyometric (COMBO) training | Experimental | Other: Core stability exercises with plyometric trainingThe core training regimen begins with fundamental core stabilization exercises and progresses to moderate-level training based on established core training principles. During the first week, exercises include pelvic tilts in supine and lunge positions, along with bilateral pelvic bridges. In the second week, the program progresses to unilateral pelvic bridges and quadruped bracing exercises performed without a Swiss ball. This is followed by two weeks of static core exercises, including contralateral single-leg holds and quadruped positioning using a Swiss ball. Once participants demonstrate adequate control and confidence with static exercises, dynamic movements such as upper body roll-outs are progressively introduced during the final two weeks of the program. Core stability exercises are performed for 12-15 minutes per session, with 8-10 repetitions per set and 2-3 sets per session, three times per week for six weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 24 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Elite voluntary high jump athletes (male and/or female)
- Age range between 19-24 years
- Minimum of 3 years of structured high jump training experience
- Currently participating in regular training (at least 3 sessions per week)
- Medically fit to participate in plyometric and core stability training
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- History of lower limb musculoskeletal trauma within the past three months
- Chronic asthma
- Ongoing physiotherapy for musculoskeletal pain
- Neurological conditions
- History of severe anxiety and depression
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 stability exercises with plyometric trainingParticipants receive both core stability and plyometric training. The core program begins with basic stabilization exercises and progressively advances to moderate-level training based on established principles. Week 1 includes pelvic tilts and bilateral bridges; Week 2 progresses to unilateral bridges and quadruped bracing without a Swiss ball. This is followed by two weeks of static exercises (e.g., contralateral single-leg holds, quadruped with Swiss ball), and finally dynamic exercises such as upper body roll-outs in the last two weeks. Core exercises are performed for 12-15 minutes per session, with 8-10 repetitions per set, 2-3 sets per session, three times per week for six weeks. Both interventions are demonstrated by qualified physical therapists and athletic coaches at different training sites. | Other | Combined core-plyometric (COMBO) training |
| Plyometric exercise aloneAlso: PLYOThe plyometric training program uses variable-sized Swiss balls, 45 cm plyometric boxes for box jumps, a 30 cm depth jump box, sports cones, and a synthetic long jump surface. Each session begins with a 5-10 minute warm-up involving light jogging, dynamic stretching, and mobility exercises, and ends with a 10-minute cool-down. Participants continue their regular resistance training twice weekly on non-consecutive days, targeting major muscle groups. The program is designed to improve speed, agility, and quickness and follows a structured progression based on exercise complexity and intensity (low to high), considering balance, coordination, limb involvement, and impact level. It begins with simple, low-impact bilateral linear jumps and progresses to complex, high-impact, multidirectional and single-leg landing drills based on participant readiness, promoting gradual improvements in strength, control, and landing mechanics. | Other | Plyometric training alone |
Primary outcome
Vertical Jump test
Time frame: "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks"
Vertical Jump test
Vertical Jump test
Time frame: 6 weeks
The primary outcome variable of this study is vertical jump distance, measured in centimetres following standard assessment guidelines. Participants begin from a static standing position and are instructed to reach upward maximally with one hand to establish the standing reach height. They then perform a maximal vertical jump after flexing their knees to approximately 90°, aiming to reach as high as possible. The vertical jump distance is calculated as the difference between the standing reach height and the highest point touched during the jump. An independent assessor, blinded to the intervention allocation, records all measurements. Each participant performs three trials, and the highest value obtained is used for statistical analysis.
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 7 May 2026.
- Google drive link will be shared once this work is publishedLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared with other researchers. Institutional policies and the approved ethics protocol do not permit external sharing of raw participant data. Additionally, participants provided informed consent only for the use of their data in aggregated, de-identified form for publication purposes. Only summary statistics and final outcome measures will be reported in the manuscript.
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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.
Watson Arulsingh, PhD study chair
Gulf Medical 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 Core stability exercises with plyometric training and Plyometric exercise alone in people with Athletic Injuries/Prevention and Control, run by Gulf Medical University at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
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 6 inclusion and 5 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 7 May 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 United Arab Emirates. 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?
Vertical Jump test (time frame: "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks"). The study lists 2 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 7 May 2026.