Athletic PerformanceUCT-HBNCT07679815
Effects of Unilateral Compound Training on Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry and Athletic Performance in Female Handball Players
A study testing Unilateral Compound Training in people with Athletic Performance and Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry, run by University of Gaziantep at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Lower-limb strength asymmetry is common among female handball players and may negatively affect athletic performance while increasing injury risk. This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of a six-week unilateral compound training program on lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletic Performance, Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry
- What is being tested?
- Unilateral Compound Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Nov 2025to 10 Jan 2026
- 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 25 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Female handball players aged 18-25 years.
- Competing in the Turkish Women's 2nd Handball League.
- Regular participation in team training (4 sessions/week) and official matches.
- Voluntary participation with written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Current musculoskeletal injury or pain preventing participation in training.
- History of lower-limb surgery within the previous 12 months.
- Neurological, cardiovascular, or other medical conditions affecting exercise participation.
- Failure to complete the intervention or assessment procedures.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Gaziantep, 27310
About this study
Official title: Effects of a Six-Week Unilateral Compound Training Program on Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry and Athletic Performance in Competitive Female Handball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Lower-limb strength asymmetry is common among female handball players and may negatively affect athletic performance while increasing injury risk. This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of a six-week unilateral compound training program on lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic muscle strength, hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio, body composition, and physical performance in competitive female handball players. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving unilateral compound training in addition to regular handball training or a control group continuing regular handball training only. It was hypothesized that unilateral compound training would reduce strength asymmetry and improve neuromuscular performance compared with regular training alone.
Read the detailed description
emale handball requires repeated sprinting, jumping, rapid changes of direction, and unilateral movements that may contribute to the development of lower-limb strength asymmetries. Such asymmetries have been associated with impaired athletic performance and an increased risk of injury. Although unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises have shown beneficial effects individually, evidence regarding the effectiveness of unilateral compound training in female handball players remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a six-week unilateral compound training program on lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios, body composition, sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, countermovement jump performance, and single-leg jump performance in competitive female handball players.
Thirty competitive female handball players were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group completed unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises three times per week for six weeks in addition to regular handball training, whereas the control group continued regular handball training only. Outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized laboratory procedures. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of unilateral compound training for reducing lower-limb asymmetry and improving sport-specific performance in female handball athletes.
- Being tested
- Unilateral Compound Training
- Keywords
- Female Handball, Isokinetic Strength, Plyometric Training, Unilateral Training, Strength Asymmetry
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Unilateral Compound TrainingBehavioural
Participants in the experimental group completed a supervised unilateral compound training program three times per week for six weeks in addition to their regular handball training. The intervention consisted of progressive unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises designed to improve lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic muscle strength, neuromuscular performance, sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, and jump performance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental | Experimental | Participants received a six-week unilateral compound training program three times per week in addition to their regular handball training. Receives: Behavioral: Unilateral Compound Training |
| Control | No intervention | Participants continued their regular handball training without additional unilateral compound training. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry
Lower-limb strength asymmetry was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry before and after the intervention. Changes in asymmetry between the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs were compared between the experimental and control groups.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Secondary outcomes (6)
Isokinetic Knee Extensor Strength
Peak torque of the knee extensor muscles measured using an isokinetic dynamometer before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Isokinetic Knee Flexor Strength
Peak torque of the knee flexor muscles measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Hamstring-to-Quadriceps Ratio
Hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio calculated from isokinetic knee muscle strength measurements.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
20-m Sprint Performance
Sprint time measured over 20 meters.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Change-of-Direction Performance
Change-of-direction performance assessed using the agility test employed in the study protocol.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Countermovement Jump Height
Vertical jump height assessed using the countermovement jump test.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Jul 2026
- Study start15 Nov 2025
- Primary completion30 Dec 2025
- Study completion10 Jan 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Athletic PerformanceStudies 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
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. The experimental group completed a six-week unilateral compound training program in addition to regular handball training, whereas the control group continued regular handball training only. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Gaziantep
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zarife Pancar, University of Gaziantep
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07679815
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-080
- Acronym
- UCT-HB
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of a Six-Week Unilateral Compound Training Program on Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry and Athletic Performance in Competitive Female Handball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07679815
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UCT-HB / 2025-080
- Keywords
- Female Handball, Isokinetic Strength, Plyometric Training, Unilateral Training, Strength Asymmetry
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of GaziantepUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Jul 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.
Lower-limb strength asymmetry is common among female handball players and may negatively affect athletic performance while increasing injury risk. This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of a six-week unilateral compound training program on lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic muscle strength, hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio, body composition, and physical performance in competitive female handball players. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving unilateral compound training in addition to regular handball training or a control group continuing regular handball training only. It was hypothesized that unilateral compound training would reduce strength asymmetry and improve neuromuscular performance compared with regular training alone.
Detailed description
emale handball requires repeated sprinting, jumping, rapid changes of direction, and unilateral movements that may contribute to the development of lower-limb strength asymmetries. Such asymmetries have been associated with impaired athletic performance and an increased risk of injury. Although unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises have shown beneficial effects individually, evidence regarding the effectiveness of unilateral compound training in female handball players remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a six-week unilateral compound training program on lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios, body composition, sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, countermovement jump performance, and single-leg jump performance in competitive female handball players.
Thirty competitive female handball players were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group completed unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises three times per week for six weeks in addition to regular handball training, whereas the control group continued regular handball training only. Outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized laboratory procedures. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of unilateral compound training for reducing lower-limb asymmetry and improving sport-specific performance in female handball athletes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. The experimental group completed a six-week unilateral compound training program in addition to regular handball training, whereas the control group continued regular handball training only. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental | Experimental | Behavioral: Unilateral Compound TrainingParticipants received a six-week unilateral compound training program three times per week in addition to their regular handball training. |
| Control | No intervention | –Participants continued their regular handball training without additional unilateral compound training. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Female handball players aged 18-25 years.
- Competing in the Turkish Women's 2nd Handball League.
- Regular participation in team training (4 sessions/week) and official matches.
- Voluntary participation with written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Current musculoskeletal injury or pain preventing participation in training.
- History of lower-limb surgery within the previous 12 months.
- Neurological, cardiovascular, or other medical conditions affecting exercise participation.
- Failure to complete the intervention or assessment procedures.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral Compound TrainingParticipants in the experimental group completed a supervised unilateral compound training program three times per week for six weeks in addition to their regular handball training. The intervention consisted of progressive unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises designed to improve lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic muscle strength, neuromuscular performance, sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, and jump performance. | Behavioural | Experimental |
Primary outcome
Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Lower-limb strength asymmetry was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry before and after the intervention. Changes in asymmetry between the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs were compared between the experimental and control groups.
6 secondary outcomes
Isokinetic Knee Extensor Strength
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Isokinetic Knee Flexor Strength
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Hamstring-to-Quadriceps Ratio
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
20-m Sprint Performance
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Change-of-Direction Performance
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention
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 Aug 2026.
- 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.
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?
A study testing Unilateral Compound Training in people with Athletic Performance and Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry, run by University of Gaziantep at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 4 inclusion and 4 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 12 Aug 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry (time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week 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 12 Aug 2026.