Plyometric Training With or Without Hamstring Strengthening for Preventing ACL Injuries in Female Amateur Athletes

University of Lahore

Status: Completed

Conditions: ACL Injuries

Treatments: Behavioral: Plyometric Training with Hamstring Strengthening; Behavioral: Plyometric Training Only

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07047833

Rec-UOL-/287/08/24

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial explored the effect of plyometric training with or without hamstring strengthening in preventing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female amateur athletes aged 18 to 30. Sixty participants were divided equally into two groups: one received plyometric training combined with hamstring strengthening, and the other received plyometric training only. Both groups trained twice per week over a six-week period. Outcomes measured included knee strength (flexion and extension), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Test), and functional mobility (KOOS).

Full description

This study examined whether combining hamstring strengthening with plyometric training provides greater benefits in preventing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries than plyometric training alone among female amateur athletes. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, the research involved 60 participants aged 18 to 30, randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A underwent a six-week intervention involving both plyometric and hamstring strengthening exercises, while Group B participated in plyometric training only. Each group trained twice weekly, and the outcomes were measured at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6 using a handheld dynamometer for knee strength (flexion and extension), the Star Excursion Balance Test (SET) for dynamic balance, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for functional mobility.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 30 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female amateur athletes between the ages of 18-30 years old.
• Participating in sports that involve jumping, cutting and pivoting movements (e.g. basketball, soccer).
• On average, athletes exercised between six and eight times per week including competition.
• Able to perform basic jumping and landing mechanics safely.

Exclusion criteria

• Recreational athlete or untrained individual
• Athletes with less than five training sessions per week.
• Athletes who were operated with techniques other than the bone patellar-tendon, bone graft (BPTB), or who were operated by different surgeons and rehabilitated by several physical therapist.
• Athletes with a history of muscle or joint injuries.
• Athletes who had already followed a pre-operative rehabilitation program.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Plyometric Training with Hamstring Strengthening

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group received a six-week intervention consisting of plyometric training combined with targeted hamstring strengthening exercises. Each session was 60 minutes long and conducted twice per week. Plyometric drills included squat jumps, depth jumps, and lateral jumps. Hamstring strengthening included Nordic curls and machine-based leg curls. All participants completed standardized warm-up and cool-down routines. The goal was to assess the additive effect of hamstring strengthening on ACL injury prevention metrics such as strength, balance, and functional mobility.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Plyometric Training with Hamstring Strengthening

Plyometric Training Only

Experimental group

Description:

This group received plyometric training only over a six-week period, with sessions lasting 40 minutes and conducted twice weekly. Exercises included squat jumps, depth jumps, and lateral jumps, performed with progressive intensity. Participants underwent a standardized warm-up and cool-down in each session. The purpose of this arm was to evaluate the effectiveness of plyometric training alone in improving strength, balance, and functional mobility for ACL injury prevention.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Plyometric Training Only