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The effect of an eight-week ACL injury prevention training protocol on performance indicators of professional male volleyball players.

Protocol summary

Study aim
The objective of this study will be to examine the effects of an eight-week anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention program (PEP) on improving dynamic balance, explosive power, and functional performance in professional male volleyball players, as well as reducing the risk of non-contact knee injuries.
Design
This quasi-experimental study will be conducted with a parallel-group design (intervention and control) using simple random allocation. The intervention will last for eight weeks with three sessions per week, and assessments will be carried out at pre-test and post-test stages.
Settings and conduct
This study will be conducted in the sports hall of the Shahr Aftab Volleyball Club in Meybod, where all tests and interventions will take place.
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
In this study, 30 professional male volleyball players (aged 16–20 years) will be selected. Inclusion criteria will include no history of ACL injury or surgery, no participation in similar prevention programs during the past year, and 3 to 6 years of training experience. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (15 players each).
Intervention groups
It is expected that the intervention group (15 players) will perform the PEP program three times per week over an eight-week period. The program, lasting approximately 15–20 minutes and consisting of warm-up, strength, plyometric, agility, and stretching exercises, is anticipated to improve neuromuscular control, increase explosive power, enhance dynamic balance, and reduce the risk of non-contact knee injuries, particularly ACL injuries.
Main outcome variables
The primary outcome variables of this study will be dynamic balance, explosive muscular power, agility, and functional movement screening (FMS) scores.

General information

Reason for update
Acronym
PEP
IRCT registration information
IRCT registration number: IRCT20250823066957N1
Registration date: 2025-09-04, 1404/06/13
Registration timing: prospective

Last update: 2025-09-04, 1404/06/13
Update count: 0
Registration date
2025-09-04, 1404/06/13
Registrant information
Name
Morteza Barzegar Bafrouei
Name of organization / entity
The University of Shahid Beheshti
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Phone
+98 21 2990 5847
Email address
m.barzegar9489@gmail.com
Recruitment status
Recruitment complete
Funding source
Expected recruitment start date
2025-09-16, 1404/06/25
Expected recruitment end date
2025-10-02, 1404/07/10
Actual recruitment start date
empty
Actual recruitment end date
empty
Trial completion date
empty
Scientific title
The effect of an eight-week ACL injury prevention training protocol on performance indicators of professional male volleyball players.
Public title
Investigating the effect of ACL injury prevention exercises on functional indices
Purpose
Prevention
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
No history of ACL injury or surgery in the past No participation in any ACL injury prevention program during the past year Having 3 to 6 years of training experience
Exclusion criteria:
Participation in any ACL injury prevention training program or similar program within the past year (such as PEP, FIFA 11+, or Sportsmetrics). The occurrence of any musculoskeletal injury or condition in the lower extremity during the execution of the protocol that prevents proper implementation of the training protocol. Inability to consistently adhere to the training protocol or failure to attend post-assessments. Lack of cooperation in implementing the protocol and discontinuation of participation for any reason.
Age
From 16 years old to 20 years old
Gender
Male
Phase
N/A
Groups that have been masked
No information
Sample size
Target sample size: 30
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
The allocation of participants to the intervention and control groups will be carried out randomly. After selecting eligible players based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a list of names will be prepared and each participant will be assigned a number. Using a simple randomization method (lottery drawing), the numbers will then be distributed into two groups of 15 players each. No non-random or subjective criteria will be applied in this process in order to minimize the risk of selection bias.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Not blinded
Blinding description
Placebo
Not used
Assignment
Parallel
Other design features

Secondary Ids

empty

Ethics committees

1

Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Ethics in Biological Research Working Group, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran
Street address
Evin, Shahid Shahriari Square, Shahid Beheshti University, Presidency Building, Research Affairs, Office of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1983969411
Approval date
2025-07-26, 1404/05/04
Ethics committee reference number
IR.SBU.REC.1404.130

Health conditions studied

1

Description of health condition studied
The study subjects will include professional male volleyball players (aged 16–20 years) who meet the eligibility criteria and will participate in the injury prevention training program (PEP) during the study.
ICD-10 code
S83.512A
ICD-10 code description
Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, initial encounter

Primary outcomes

1

Description
The primary outcome variable in this study is agility (9 x 4 meters). It is expected that implementing the PEP training program will produce significant improvements in this variable.
Timepoint
The study variables will be measured at two time points: pre-test (before the start of the intervention) and post-test (after the completion of the eight-week training program).
Method of measurement
This outcome assesses the agility of athletes through a 9-meter run test in four directions (9 x 4 meters). The aim of this test is to measure reaction speed, rapid change of direction, and muscle coordination. Specifically, the time recorded for running forward and changing direction on this track will be a measure of the athletes' agility.

2

Description
The primary outcome variable in this study includes muscle power (Sargent jump). It is expected that implementing the PEP training program will produce a significant improvement in this variable.
Timepoint
The study variables will be measured at two time points: pre-test (before the start of the intervention) and post-test (after the completion of the eight-week training program).
Method of measurement
This outcome measures the explosive power of the athlete's lower body muscles through the Sargent Jump Test. In this test, the athlete must jump from a standing position to the highest possible height and record the distance of their jump. The purpose of this test is to measure muscular power and explosive power, which play an important role in sports performance, especially in disciplines such as volleyball.

3

Description
The primary outcome variable in this study is dynamic balance (Y-Balance). It is expected that implementing the PEP exercise program will produce significant improvements in this variable.
Timepoint
The study variables will be measured at two time points: pre-test (before the start of the intervention) and post-test (after the completion of the eight-week training program).
Method of measurement
This outcome assesses an individual's ability to maintain balance while moving in different directions. In this test, the athlete must maintain balance in three different directions (anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial) and record their best performance. This test is useful for assessing neuromuscular function and dynamic balance.

4

Description
The primary outcome variable in this study is the Functional Movement Screening (FMS) score. It is expected that implementing the PEP exercise program will produce a significant improvement in this variable.
Timepoint
The study variables will be measured at two time points: pre-test (before the start of the intervention) and post-test (after the completion of the eight-week training program).
Method of measurement
This outcome is related to the assessment of the quality of functional movements performed using the FMS test. This test consists of seven different movements designed to assess basic movements and the degree of flexibility, strength, and stability of the body. The score of this test indicates the ability of the individual to perform complex movements and correct body function in different sports situations.

Secondary outcomes

empty

Intervention groups

1

Description
Intervention group: The intervention group will perform the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention program (PEP) three times per week for eight weeks. The program will last approximately 15–20 minutes and will include five components: warm-up, strength, plyometric, agility, and stretching exercises, implemented at the beginning of the main training session as a substitute for the regular warm-up. The aim of this intervention will be to improve neuromuscular control, increase explosive power, enhance dynamic balance, and ultimately reduce the risk of non-contact knee injuries, particularly ACL injuries.
Category
Prevention

2

Description
Control group: In the control group, volleyball players continued with their regular team training. This group did not undergo any specific intervention related to ACL injury prevention. The control group followed the standard training program as part of their regular daily or weekly schedule without being assigned any specific protocol such as PEP. The control group continued their regular training regimen and participated only in pre-test and post-test assessments for comparison with the intervention group. The main difference between the control group and the intervention group was that the control group did not perform any ACL injury prevention protocol and continued with their usual training routine.
Category
Prevention

Recruitment centers

1

Recruitment center
Name of recruitment center
Meybod County Volleyball Committee
Full name of responsible person
Morteza Barzegar Bafrouei
Street address
Azadegan Street - Meybod County Volleyball Board
City
Meybod
Province
Yazd
Postal code
8963119631
Phone
+98 35 3233 2072
Email
m.barzegar9489@gmail.com

Sponsors / Funding sources

1

Sponsor
Name of organization / entity
The University of shahid Beheshti of Tehran
Full name of responsible person
Friborz Hovanloo
Street address
Evin, Shahid Beheshti University – Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences – Department of Health and Rehabilitation
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1983969411
Phone
+98 21 2990 5847
Email
F_Hovanloo@sbu.ac.ir
Grant name
Grant code / Reference number
Is the source of funding the same sponsor organization/entity?
No
Title of funding source
Necessary background for conducting the study and field facilities
Proportion provided by this source
1
Public or private sector
Public
Domestic or foreign origin
Domestic
Category of foreign source of funding
empty
Country of origin
Type of organization providing the funding
Other

Person responsible for general inquiries

Contact
Name of organization / entity
The University of Shahid Beheshti
Full name of responsible person
Morteza Barzegar Bafrouei
Position
PHD Candidate
Latest degree
Master
Other areas of specialty/work
Rehabilitation management
Street address
Evin, Shahid Beheshti University – Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences – Department of Health and Rehabilitation
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1983969411
Phone
+98 21 2990 5847
Email
m.barzegar9489@gmail.com

Person responsible for scientific inquiries

Contact
Name of organization / entity
The University of Shahid Beheshti
Full name of responsible person
Morteza Barzegar Bafrouei
Position
PhD Candidate
Latest degree
Master
Other areas of specialty/work
Sports Injury Pathology, Sports Rehabilitation, Corrective Exercises
Street address
Evin, Shahid Shahriari Square, Shahid Beheshti University
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1983969411
Phone
+98 21 2990 5847
Fax
Email
m.barzegar9489@gmail.com

Person responsible for updating data

Contact
Name of organization / entity
The University of Shahid Beheshti
Full name of responsible person
Morteza Barzegar Bafrouei
Position
PhD Candidate
Latest degree
Master
Other areas of specialty/work
Sports Injury Pathology, Sports Rehabilitation, Corrective Exercises
Street address
Evin, Shahid Shahriari Square, Shahid Beheshti University
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1983969411
Phone
+98 21 2990 5847
Fax
Email
m.barzegar9489@gmail.com

Sharing plan

Deidentified Individual Participant Data Set (IPD)
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
Study Protocol
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
Statistical Analysis Plan
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
Informed Consent Form
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
Clinical Study Report
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
Analytic Code
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
Data Dictionary
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
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