Lower-Limb AsymmetryNCT07801885
Strength- and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Training in Male Collegiate Team-Sport Players
A study testing Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training in people with Lower-Limb Asymmetry and Athletic Performance, run by South China Normal University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This randomized, parallel-group study evaluated the effects of an 8-week unilateral resistance training program with strength- and velocity-oriented loading on limb-specific load-velocity relationships and lower-limb asymmetry in male university team-sport players. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Lower-Limb Asymmetry, Athletic Performance, Muscle Strength
- What is being tested?
- Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 23 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 6 May 2026to 25 Jul 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 years and older
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Functional Movement Screen inline lunge score of at least 2 and ability to correctly perform the barbell split squat.
- At least one year of resistance-training experience. No sports-related injury within the previous 3 months that could affect participation in the study procedures.
- Willing and able to provide written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Current or planned use during the study of medications that could affect the study outcomes.
- Current musculoskeletal injury or medical condition that could prevent completion of the training program or study assessments.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
China1 site
School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University
Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006
About this study
Official title: Effects of Eight Weeks of Strength- and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training on Limb-Specific Load-Velocity Relationships and Lower-Limb Asymmetry in Male Collegiate Team-Sport Players: A Randomized Parallel-Group Trial
This randomized, parallel-group study evaluated the effects of an 8-week unilateral resistance training program with strength- and velocity-oriented loading on limb-specific load-velocity relationships and lower-limb asymmetry in male university team-sport players. Participants were randomly assigned to a strength-oriented training group, which trained at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum (1RM), or a velocity-oriented training group, which trained at 40% of the limb-specific 1RM. Both groups completed 16 supervised free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks. In each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity and real-time velocity feedback. Limb-specific load-velocity relationships were assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Lower-limb asymmetry, balance, unilateral jump performance, and basketball-specific change-of-direction performance were assessed at baseline and Week 8. The purpose was to determine whether the two training orientations produced different adaptations and whether the additional training volume assigned to the non-dominant limb influenced inter-limb asymmetry.
Read the detailed description
This study used a randomized, two-arm, parallel-group design. Following familiarization and baseline testing, eligible male university team-sport players were randomly allocated to either a strength-oriented training group or a velocity-oriented training group.
Participants completed two supervised training sessions per week for 8 weeks, resulting in a total of 16 training sessions. The primary training exercise was the unilateral free-weight split squat. The strength-oriented group trained at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum, whereas the velocity-oriented group trained at 40% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum. In both groups, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions and the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions during each session. Repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback provided to participants. Loads were adjusted when necessary to maintain the prescribed limb-specific training intensity.
Assessments were conducted before the intervention and after completion of the 8-week intervention. An additional interim assessment was conducted at Week 4, after the first eight training sessions. Data from the Week 4 assessment were used for an exploratory interim analysis of limb-specific load-velocity relationships and between-limb differences in derived mean concentric velocity. The Week-8 assessment evaluated the effects of the complete intervention on unilateral strength, load-velocity characteristics, balance, unilateral jump performance, basketball-specific change-of-direction performance, and lower-limb asymmetry.
- Conditions
- Lower-Limb Asymmetry, Athletic Performance, Muscle Strength
- Being tested
- Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training, Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training
- Keywords
- Unilateral Resistance Training, Load-Velocity Relationship, Inter-Limb Asymmetry, Free-Weight Split Squat, Velocity-Based Training, Team-Sport Athletes
- Medical subject headings
- Leg Length Inequality
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance TrainingBehavioural
Participants completed 16 supervised unilateral free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks, with two sessions per week and at least 48 hours between sessions. Each limb trained at 80% of its limb-specific one-repetition maximum. During each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. Inter-set rest was 4 minutes. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback. Training loads were prescribed using the individual limb-specific load-velocity relationship and adjusted when necessary to maintain the target training intensity.
Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance TrainingBehavioural
Participants completed 16 supervised unilateral free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks, with two sessions per week and at least 48 hours between sessions. Each limb trained at 40% of its limb-specific one-repetition maximum. During each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. Inter-set rest was 4 minutes. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback. Training loads were prescribed using the individual limb-specific load-velocity relationship and adjusted when necessary to maintain the target training intensity.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Strength-Oriented Training Group | Experimental | Participants completed an 8-week strength-oriented unilateral free-weight split-squat training program at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum. Receives: Behavioral: Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training |
| Velocity-Oriented Training Group | Experimental | Participants completed an 8-week velocity-oriented unilateral free-weight split-squat training program at 40% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum. Receives: Behavioral: Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mean Change From Baseline in Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height Inter-Limb Asymmetry at Week 8
Single-leg countermovement jump height was measured separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs using a force-platform system. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated as 2 × the absolute difference between the dominant- and non-dominant-limb values divided by the sum of the two limb values, multiplied by 100. The outcome is expressed as a percentage, with higher values indicating greater inter-limb asymmetry. The mean change from baseline to Week 8 was compared between the two training groups.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8
Secondary outcomes (4)
Mean Change From Baseline in Y-Balance Test Composite Score Inter-Limb Difference at Week 8
Anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach distances were measured separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs using the Y-Balance Test. The composite score for each limb was calculated as the sum of the three reach distances divided by three times the limb length, multiplied by 100. The inter-limb difference was calculated as the absolute difference between the dominant- and non-dominant-limb composite scores and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate a larger inter-limb difference. The mean change from baseline to Week 8 was compared between the two training groups.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8
Mean Change From Baseline in Limb-Specific Mean Concentric Velocity at Prespecified Relative Loads at Week
Individual limb-specific load-velocity relationships were established during the unilateral free-weight split-squat one-repetition maximum test using linear regression. Mean concentric velocity was derived separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs at 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%, and 90% of the directly measured limb-specific one-repetition maximum. Velocity was expressed in meters per second. Higher values indicate faster concentric movement at the same relative load. Mean changes from baseline to the Week 4 interim assessment were evaluated by training group and limb.
Measured: Baseline and interim assessment at Week 4
Mean Change From Baseline in Basketball Dribbling T-Test Directional Asymmetry at Week 8
Directional change-of-direction performance was assessed using left-side-dominant and right-side-dominant versions of the basketball dribbling T-test. Participants completed two maximal trials in each direction, and the fastest completion time for each direction was recorded in seconds. Directional asymmetry was calculated as the absolute difference between the left- and right-side completion times divided by the faster completion time, multiplied by 100. Higher percentage values indicate greater directional asymmetry. The mean change from baseline to Week 8 was compared between the two training groups.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8
Mean Change From Baseline in Absolute Inter-Limb Difference in Unilateral Split-Squat One-Repetition Maximum at Week 8
Unilateral split-squat one-repetition maximum was measured separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs using a progressive loading protocol. The absolute inter-limb difference was calculated as the absolute difference between the dominant- and non-dominant-limb one-repetition maximum values and expressed in kilograms. Higher values indicate greater inter-limb strength asymmetry. The mean change from baseline to Week 8 was compared between the two training groups.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Sep 2026
- Study start6 May 2026
- Primary completion25 Jul 2026
- Study completion25 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Lower-Limb AsymmetryStudies 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: a strength-oriented unilateral training group or a velocity-oriented unilateral training group. Each participant received only the intervention assigned to that group throughout the 8-week training period.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 23 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- South China Normal University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zongwei Chen, South China Normal University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07801885
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SCNU-SPT-2026-027
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 31 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Aggregate data supporting the findings of this study may be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to institutional and ethical requirements. Individual participant data will not be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Eight Weeks of Strength- and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training on Limb-Specific Load-Velocity Relationships and Lower-Limb Asymmetry in Male Collegiate Team-Sport Players: A Randomized Parallel-Group Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07801885
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SCNU-SPT-2026-027
- Conditions
- Lower-Limb Asymmetry, Athletic Performance, Muscle Strength
- Keywords
- Unilateral Resistance Training, Load-Velocity Relationship, Inter-Limb Asymmetry, Free-Weight Split Squat, Velocity-Based Training, Team-Sport Athletes
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 23 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- South China Normal UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Sep 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 randomized, parallel-group study evaluated the effects of an 8-week unilateral resistance training program with strength- and velocity-oriented loading on limb-specific load-velocity relationships and lower-limb asymmetry in male university team-sport players. Participants were randomly assigned to a strength-oriented training group, which trained at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum (1RM), or a velocity-oriented training group, which trained at 40% of the limb-specific 1RM. Both groups completed 16 supervised free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks. In each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity and real-time velocity feedback. Limb-specific load-velocity relationships were assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Lower-limb asymmetry, balance, unilateral jump performance, and basketball-specific change-of-direction performance were assessed at baseline and Week 8. The purpose was to determine whether the two training orientations produced different adaptations and whether the additional training volume assigned to the non-dominant limb influenced inter-limb asymmetry.
Detailed description
This study used a randomized, two-arm, parallel-group design. Following familiarization and baseline testing, eligible male university team-sport players were randomly allocated to either a strength-oriented training group or a velocity-oriented training group.
Participants completed two supervised training sessions per week for 8 weeks, resulting in a total of 16 training sessions. The primary training exercise was the unilateral free-weight split squat. The strength-oriented group trained at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum, whereas the velocity-oriented group trained at 40% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum. In both groups, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions and the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions during each session. Repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback provided to participants. Loads were adjusted when necessary to maintain the prescribed limb-specific training intensity.
Assessments were conducted before the intervention and after completion of the 8-week intervention. An additional interim assessment was conducted at Week 4, after the first eight training sessions. Data from the Week 4 assessment were used for an exploratory interim analysis of limb-specific load-velocity relationships and between-limb differences in derived mean concentric velocity. The Week-8 assessment evaluated the effects of the complete intervention on unilateral strength, load-velocity characteristics, balance, unilateral jump performance, basketball-specific change-of-direction performance, and lower-limb asymmetry.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- 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: a strength-oriented unilateral training group or a velocity-oriented unilateral training group. Each participant received only the intervention assigned to that group throughout the 8-week training period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Strength-Oriented Training Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance TrainingParticipants completed an 8-week strength-oriented unilateral free-weight split-squat training program at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum. |
| Velocity-Oriented Training Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance TrainingParticipants completed an 8-week velocity-oriented unilateral free-weight split-squat training program at 40% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Functional Movement Screen inline lunge score of at least 2 and ability to correctly perform the barbell split squat.
- At least one year of resistance-training experience. No sports-related injury within the previous 3 months that could affect participation in the study procedures.
- Willing and able to provide written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Current or planned use during the study of medications that could affect the study outcomes.
- Current musculoskeletal injury or medical condition that could prevent completion of the training program or study assessments.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance TrainingParticipants completed 16 supervised unilateral free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks, with two sessions per week and at least 48 hours between sessions. Each limb trained at 80% of its limb-specific one-repetition maximum. During each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. Inter-set rest was 4 minutes. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback. Training loads were prescribed using the individual limb-specific load-velocity relationship and adjusted when necessary to maintain the target training intensity. | Behavioural | Strength-Oriented Training Group |
| Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance TrainingParticipants completed 16 supervised unilateral free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks, with two sessions per week and at least 48 hours between sessions. Each limb trained at 40% of its limb-specific one-repetition maximum. During each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. Inter-set rest was 4 minutes. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback. Training loads were prescribed using the individual limb-specific load-velocity relationship and adjusted when necessary to maintain the target training intensity. | Behavioural | Velocity-Oriented Training Group |
Primary outcome
Mean Change From Baseline in Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height Inter-Limb Asymmetry at Week 8
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8
Single-leg countermovement jump height was measured separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs using a force-platform system. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated as 2 × the absolute difference between the dominant- and non-dominant-limb values divided by the sum of the two limb values, multiplied by 100. The outcome is expressed as a percentage, with higher values indicating greater inter-limb asymmetry. The mean change from baseline to Week 8 was compared between the two training groups.
4 secondary outcomes
Mean Change From Baseline in Y-Balance Test Composite Score Inter-Limb Difference at Week 8
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8
Mean Change From Baseline in Limb-Specific Mean Concentric Velocity at Prespecified Relative Loads at Week
Time frame: Baseline and interim assessment at Week 4
Mean Change From Baseline in Basketball Dribbling T-Test Directional Asymmetry at Week 8
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8
Mean Change From Baseline in Absolute Inter-Limb Difference in Unilateral Split-Squat One-Repetition Maximum at Week 8
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8
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 3 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Aggregate data supporting the findings of this study may be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to institutional and ethical requirements. Individual participant data will not be shared.
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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 Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training in people with Lower-Limb Asymmetry and Athletic Performance, run by South China Normal University at 1 site in China.
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 3 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 3 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 China. 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?
Mean Change From Baseline in Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height Inter-Limb Asymmetry at Week 8 (time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8). 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 3 Sep 2026.