Clinical Research Directory

Integrated Neuromuscular Training Improves Jump Height and Landing Mechanics in Male Volleyball Athletes

Background Volleyball is a sport that requires frequent jumping, landing, rapid movements, and changes in direction. During a match, players repeatedly perform actions such as spikes, blocks, and quick defensive movements. Because of these repetitive high-impact movements, volleyball players are at risk of lower-limb injuries, especially to the knees, ankles, and hips. Many injuries occur when athletes land incorrectly after jumping, when muscles are not strong enough, or when the body's balance and coordination are not optimal. Poor movement control during landing can place excessive stress on the joints and surrounding tissues. For this reason, improving the way athletes jump, land, and control their movements is very important for both performance and injury prevention. Purpose of the Study The main purpose of this study was to determine whether an 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training program could improve the following aspects in male volleyball athletes: Anthropometric profile, Jump-landing mechanics, Vertical jump height. Male volleyball athletes volunteered to participate in this research. All participants were active players who regularly took part in volleyball training and competitions. Integrated Neuromuscular Training (INT) is a structured exercise approach designed to improve the coordination between the muscular system and the nervous system. In simple terms, it helps the body learn how to move more efficiently, safely, and powerfully. The training program used in this study included a combination of exercises such as strength training to improve muscle power and joint stability, balance and stability exercises to enhance body control, plyometric exercises. This study used a single-blind pretest-posttest design. Pretest: The athletes were evaluated before the training program started. Training period: The participants completed the 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training program. Posttest: After the training program, the same measurements were taken again.

Isometric and Isotonic Hand Strengthening in Competitive Female Badminton Athletes

This randomized clinical trial aims to determine the effects of targeted isometric and isotonic hand strengthening exercises on hand function, dexterity, grip strength and grip endurance in competitive female badminton athletes aged 18-30 years. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups receiving either isometric or isotonic hand strengthening exercise programs performed three times per week for six weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, 3rd week and 6th week using Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), Purdue Pegboard Test or Nine-Hole Peg Test, Hand Dynamometer Test and Sustained Grip Test.

Analysis of New Materials and Artificial Turf Products: Influence and Impact on Athlete Performance and Perception

This request pertains to a series of related projects on a common theme. Specifically, this set of projects aims to analyze the impact of new alternatives in materials and structures of artificial turf on athlete performance and perception, within the context of the elimination of microplastics as per Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 of September 25, 2023. Third-generation sports artificial turf is notable for including performance infill (granules) that provide the necessary functionality and safety for sports practice. The vast majority of fields worldwide use materials that do not comply with the new European regulation, which has granted an eight-year moratorium. Therefore, there is little time to find new alternatives. The challenge lies not only in developing new structural solutions but also in understanding their impact on athletes. This issue is of high severity, as these sports facilities are the largest in terms of space and host the highest number of Physical Activity and Sports practitioners in Europe (mainly Football, Rugby, Hockey, and Padel). For this reason, over the past year, the IGOID Group has requested various projects to cover all the necessary phases and nuances to address this issue. The activities included in these projects are divided into two phases: Phase 1: Evaluation of Sports Surfaces in the Laboratory (durability and surface-player and surface-ball interaction). Tests will be conducted on artificial turf samples constructed with SBR rubber (the main material to be replaced under the EU regulation), natural-origin infills, polymeric infills larger than 5 mm, and other infills. Initially, a market analysis and classification will be carried out, followed by laboratory tests. Across all projects, a minimum of 30 alternatives are expected to be analyzed. Phase 2: Field Study. Tests will be conducted on a sample of athletes on constructed surfaces representing the different alternatives evaluated in Phase 1. Performance tests and a battery of assessments will be carried out to understand athlete perception. A sample of 30 athletes will be randomly divided into groups to perform different repetitions of the test batteries, covering a minimum of six different sports facilities.

The Effects of Core and Shoulder Stabilization Exercises on Athletic Performance and Injury Risk in Master Swimmers

The inclusion of dryland training and stabilization exercises is crucial for optimizing performance and reducing injury risk in master swimmers. Exercises targeting core stabilization play a significant role in enhancing overall body strength and endurance, thereby improving swimming performance. Shoulder stabilization exercises address common issues faced by swimmers, such as shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries, contributing to the prevention of such injuries. Incorporating these exercises into the training regimen enables master swimmers to improve their posture, balance, and strength, resulting in more efficient performance in the water and reduced injury risk. Thus, a comprehensive training approach that includes both aquatic and stabilization exercises is of great importance for sustaining performance and ensuring long-term health in master swimmers. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of core and shoulder stabilization exercise training on athletic performance and injury risk in master swimmers. Our study is designed to include healthy swimmer participants. A minimum of 34 master swimmers aged between 25 and 50 years will be recruited for the study. Prior to the stabilization training program, participants will undergo several assessments including the Isometric Plank Test (Prone Bridge Test), Closed Kinetic Chain Test, Medicine Ball Throw Test, 50m Freestyle Test, and Functional Movement Screening for injury risk assessment. After initial testing, the control group will perform a 5-minute traditional dryland warm-up focusing on the shoulders, core, and lower extremities before swimming workouts. The experimental group will receive core and shoulder stabilization exercises in addition to the traditional dryland warm-up and routine swimming training for 6 weeks (2 days per week). To assess the effects of the intervention, all tests will be repeated at the beginning, at the end of the 6-week exercise program, and in the 12th week. The literature does not provide information on the relationship between combined core and shoulder stabilization exercises and performance or injury risk in swimmers. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by investigating whether there are significant differences in the results obtained from the exercises and to contribute to future research aimed at enhancing performance and reducing injury risk in athletes.