This study aims to find out whether an 8-week sports injury prevention program can improve lower-body performance-such as power, agility, and balance-among female college athletes in Saudi Arabia. Sports participation has increased among women in Saudi Arabia, but many injury-prevention programs were originally designed for male athletes and may not meet the specific needs of females. This study will help determine whether a tailored program can reduce injury risks and improve athletic performance. Female athletes aged 18-35 years who have been training and competing for at least one year can participate. Athletes with recent injuries, pregnancy, or chronic medical conditions that could affect performance will not be included. Participants will complete tests before and after the program, including jumping, balance, and agility assessments. The prevention program includes warm-up exercises, stretching, strengthening, jumping drills, balance work, and agility training. By comparing results before and after the program, the study will show whether this type of training can help female athletes stay safer and perform better.
This study will evaluate whether an 8-week sports injury prevention program can improve injury-related knowledge and lower-body performance in female college athletes. Sports participation among women in Saudi Arabia has increased in recent years, but female athletes often use injury-prevention programs originally designed for men. Because women have different physical and biomechanical characteristics, they may face a higher risk of sports injuries. This study aims to address this gap by testing a program tailored to their needs. Participants will attend supervised injury-prevention sessions for eight weeks. Each session includes: Warm-up drills (jogging, shuttle runs, backward running) Stretching for major lower-body muscles Strength training such as lunges and hamstring exercises Plyometric drills (jumping and bounding) Balance exercises on one leg Agility drills such as directional running Cool-down stretching and core exercises This type of program is commonly used to reduce lower-limb injuries by improving strength, stability, coordination, and movement control. How participation will be assessed Before starting the program and again after the eight weeks, participants will complete several tests that measure: Jumping power Agility during multi-directional movement Balance while reaching in different directions These tests are widely used in sports medicine and have high reliability. They help identify injury risk and measure improvements in physical performance. Why this study is important The results will show whether a structured injury-prevention program can help female athletes: Improve movement quality Enhance lower-body strength, balance, and agility Increase awareness of sports-injury risks Potentially reduce the likelihood of future injuries This research may support the development of safer and more effective training strategies for female athletes in Saudi Arabia as sports opportunities continue to expand.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
A structured 8-week injury prevention exercise program designed to improve lower-extremity strength, balance, agility, and movement control in female college athletes. Each supervised session includes: Warm-up: jogging, shuttle runs, backward running Stretching: calf, quadriceps, and hamstring stretches Strengthening: walking lunges, Russian hamstring exercise, single-leg toe raises Plyometrics: lateral, forward, and backward jumps; zigzag shuffle; bounding drills Balance training: single-leg stance with chest pass, forward bend, and figure-of-eight reach Agility drills: multidirectional shuttle runs, diagonal runs, bounding runs Cool-down: bridging, abdominal crunches, knee-to-chest stretches, and seated butterfly stretch Sessions follow a standardized protocol with prescribed repetitions, sets, or time durations for each component. The goal of the intervention is to enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of lower-extremity sports injuries.
PNU- Students gym
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
RECRUITINGChange in Lower-Extremity Functional Performance
Description: Assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT), which evaluates multidirectional agility through eight standardized tasks (forward run, backward run, side shuffle, carioca, figure-8 run, 45° cuts, 90° cuts, and countermovement jump). Time Frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention). Outcome Metric: Total completion time (seconds). Lower times indicate better performance.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Change in Lower-Body Explosive Power
Description: Measured using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) and Standing Long Jump (SLJ) tests, both widely validated for assessing lower-limb power. Time Frame: Baseline and 8 weeks. Outcome Metric: CMJ height (cm) and SLJ distance (cm).
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Change in Dynamic Balance
Description: Evaluated using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Outcome Metric: Max reach distance (cm), normalized to leg length.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.