Soccer PerformanceNCT07853638
Combined Technical and Balance Training in U12 Soccer Players
A study testing Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training in people with Soccer Performance, run by University of Manouba at 1 site in Tunisia.
Trial summary
This study was designed as a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a combined technical and balance training program on dynamic postural control, inter-limb asymmetry, and soccer-specific performance in young soccer players. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 11 to 12 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Soccer Performance
- What is being tested?
- Combined technical and unstable-surface balance 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 siteTunisia
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2024to 15 Nov 2024
- 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 11 to 12 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Male soccer players aged 10-12 years.
- Registered members of a soccer club.
- Regular participation in soccer training.
- Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
Who cannot join
- Current musculoskeletal injury affecting participation in training or testing.
- History of surgery or chronic medical condition affecting physical performance.
- Inability to complete the testing procedures or intervention program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of a Combined Non-Dominant-Limb-Focused Technical and Unstable-Surface Balance Training Program on Dynamic Postural Control, Inter-Limb Asymmetry, and Soccer-Specific Performance in Young Soccer Players
This study was designed as a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a combined technical and balance training program on dynamic postural control, inter-limb asymmetry, and soccer-specific performance in young soccer players.
Thirty male U12 soccer players were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with two training sessions per week. The experimental group performed additional exercises specifically targeting the non-dominant leg, including three technical exercises focused on non-dominant-leg skills and one dynamic bipodal balance exercise performed on unstable balance cushions. The control group continued their conventional soccer training program without additional targeted exercises.
Read more
Assessments were performed before and after the intervention period. Dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Soccer-specific performance was assessed using technical skill tests, including shooting, juggling, and dribbling performance. Inter-limb asymmetry was evaluated by comparing dominant and non-dominant limb performance.
The primary objective was to determine whether a combined training approach emphasizing non-dominant-leg technical practice and dynamic balance stimulation could improve limb-specific performance and reduce inter-limb differences in young soccer players.
The study was conducted under ethical approval from the Deanship of Scientific Research at Palestine Technical University-Kadoorie. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of all participants before participation.
- Conditions
- Soccer Performance
- Being tested
- Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training
- Keywords
- Soccer, Youth soccer players, U12 soccer players, Technical training, Balance training, Dynamic postural control, Inter-limb asymmetry, Limb dominance, Non-dominant leg, Soccer-specific performance, Randomized controlled trial
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Combined technical and unstable-surface balance trainingBehavioural
An 8-week soccer training program including three technical exercises focused on the non-dominant foot and one bipodal unstable-surface balance exercise using unstable cushions. Training sessions were performed twice weekly in addition to regular soccer practice.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm received an 8-week combined training program consisting of three technical exercises focused on the non-dominant foot and one bipodal unstable-surface balance exercise using unstable cushions. Training sessions were performed twice per week in addition to their regular soccer training. Receives: Behavioral: Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training |
| Conventional soccer training | Active comparator | Participants assigned to this arm continued their regular soccer training program without receiving the additional technical exercises or unstable-surface balance training. Receives: Behavioral: Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Dynamic postural control assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)
Change in dynamic postural control assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) following the 8-week intervention. The SEBT evaluates functional postural control in multiple directions and measures changes in lower-limb dynamic stability.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Secondary outcomes (7)
Dynamic balance asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant limbs
Change in inter-limb asymmetry during the Star Excursion Balance Test after the 8-week intervention. Asymmetry was calculated from normalized reach distances using the formula: |dominant - non-dominant| / dominant × 100.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test
Change in shooting accuracy after the 8-week intervention. Shooting performance was assessed using the Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test. Participants completed three trials for each limb, and the best score obtained for each leg was retained for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Juggling Test
Change in ball control ability after the 8-week intervention. The juggling test assessed technical coordination using dominant and non-dominant legs. The best score from three trials was retained for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Slalom running performance
Change in change-of-direction speed after the 8-week intervention. Participants performed a 15-m slalom running test around seven cones using a photoelectric cell system. Mean completion time was retained for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Slalom dribbling performance
Change in dribbling ability after the 8-week intervention. Participants performed a 15-m slalom course while dribbling with the dominant and non-dominant leg. Mean completion time was retained for analysis.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Skill index
Change in skill index after the 8-week intervention. The skill index was calculated as the ratio between slalom running time and slalom dribbling time. The index was calculated separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Inter-limb asymmetry
Change in inter-limb asymmetry after the 8-week intervention. Asymmetry was calculated from the difference between dominant and non-dominant limb skill index values using the percentage asymmetry formula.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Oct 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2024
- Primary completion7 Nov 2024
- Study completion15 Nov 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Soccer 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either a combined non-dominant-limb-focused technical and unstable-surface balance training program or conventional soccer training. Both groups continue their regular soccer activities during the 8-week intervention period.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Manouba
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mohamed Chedly Jlid, University of Manouba
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07853638
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UManouba-U12-NDL-RCT
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Oct 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 2 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of a Combined Non-Dominant-Limb-Focused Technical and Unstable-Surface Balance Training Program on Dynamic Postural Control, Inter-Limb Asymmetry, and Soccer-Specific Performance in Young Soccer Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07853638
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UManouba-U12-NDL-RCT
- Conditions
- Soccer Performance
- Keywords
- Soccer, Youth soccer players, U12 soccer players, Technical training, Balance training, Dynamic postural control, Inter-limb asymmetry, Limb dominance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ManoubaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 7 Nov 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Nov 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Oct 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 was designed as a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a combined technical and balance training program on dynamic postural control, inter-limb asymmetry, and soccer-specific performance in young soccer players.
Thirty male U12 soccer players were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with two training sessions per week. The experimental group performed additional exercises specifically targeting the non-dominant leg, including three technical exercises focused on non-dominant-leg skills and one dynamic bipodal balance exercise performed on unstable balance cushions. The control group continued their conventional soccer training program without additional targeted exercises.
Assessments were performed before and after the intervention period. Dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Soccer-specific performance was assessed using technical skill tests, including shooting, juggling, and dribbling performance. Inter-limb asymmetry was evaluated by comparing dominant and non-dominant limb performance.
The primary objective was to determine whether a combined training approach emphasizing non-dominant-leg technical practice and dynamic balance stimulation could improve limb-specific performance and reduce inter-limb differences in young soccer players.
The study was conducted under ethical approval from the Deanship of Scientific Research at Palestine Technical University-Kadoorie. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of all participants before participation.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This is a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either a combined non-dominant-limb-focused technical and unstable-surface balance training program or conventional soccer training. Both groups continue their regular soccer activities during the 8-week intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training | Experimental | Behavioral: Combined technical and unstable-surface balance trainingParticipants assigned to this arm received an 8-week combined training program consisting of three technical exercises focused on the non-dominant foot and one bipodal unstable-surface balance exercise using unstable cushions. Training sessions were performed twice per week in addition to their regular soccer training. |
| Conventional soccer training | Active comparator | Behavioral: Combined technical and unstable-surface balance trainingParticipants assigned to this arm continued their regular soccer training program without receiving the additional technical exercises or unstable-surface balance training. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 11 to 12 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Male soccer players aged 10-12 years.
- Registered members of a soccer club.
- Regular participation in soccer training.
- Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Current musculoskeletal injury affecting participation in training or testing.
- History of surgery or chronic medical condition affecting physical performance.
- Inability to complete the testing procedures or intervention program.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined technical and unstable-surface balance trainingAn 8-week soccer training program including three technical exercises focused on the non-dominant foot and one bipodal unstable-surface balance exercise using unstable cushions. Training sessions were performed twice weekly in addition to regular soccer practice. | Behavioural | Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training, Conventional soccer training |
Primary outcome
Dynamic postural control assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in dynamic postural control assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) following the 8-week intervention. The SEBT evaluates functional postural control in multiple directions and measures changes in lower-limb dynamic stability.
7 secondary outcomes
Dynamic balance asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant limbs
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Juggling Test
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Slalom running performance
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Slalom dribbling performance
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Skill index
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Inter-limb asymmetry
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)
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 Oct 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 Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training in people with Soccer Performance, run by University of Manouba at 1 site in Tunisia.
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 3 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 Oct 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 Tunisia. 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?
Dynamic postural control assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) (time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)). 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 Oct 2026.