Influence of Abdominal Muscle Function on Knee Stability for Injury Prevention

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Core Stabilization Training Program: Participants will perform the following exercises for 8 weeks: Front plank: 2 × 30 seconds (with progression including alternating leg lifts) Side plank: 2 × 30 seconds per side (with progression including hip abduction) Nordic hamstring exercise: 2 sets of 3-15 repetitions depending on progression Rest between sets: 30-60 seconds based on perceived exertion. All exercises are performed under supervision prior to regular training sessions.

Study summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether an 8-week core stabilization training program can improve abdominal strength and knee stability in physically active women aged 18 to 35. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does core stabilization training improve abdominal endurance as measured by the Prone Bridge Test? Does this training enhance knee stability as measured by the Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, and Drop Vertical Jump?

Researchers will compare participants' results before and after the intervention to see whether the training program leads to measurable improvements in strength and stability.

Participants will:

Complete baseline testing of abdominal strength and knee stability using standardized assessments (Prone Bridge Test, Lateral Squat Down, Y-Balance Test, Drop Vertical Jump) recorded with a Vicon motion-capture system.

Perform an 8-week supervised core stabilization program that includes front plank, side plank, and Nordic hamstring exercises following a structured progression.

Complete the same performance tests again after the intervention.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in abdominal endurance (Prone Bridge Test) — Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
  Difference from baseline in time (seconds) holding a standardized prone bridge position with neutral alignment, up to voluntary termination or failure to maintain position after three warnings. Higher values indicate greater abdominal endurance.

Trial sites (1)

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