NCT06556082

Effect of PNF-Based Upper Extremity Strengthening With Core Stabilization on Fitness in Amputee Football Players

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Based Upper Extremity Strengthening Exercises Combined With Core Stabilization Training on Physical Fitness Parameters in Amputee Football Players

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 14 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Uskudar University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Amputee football (AF) is a disability-specific football in which amputees can participate. This study aims to determine the effect of PNF-based upper extremity strengthening exercises combined with core stabilization exercises on physical fitness parameters in amputee football players. In the study, amputee soccer players will be randomly divided into two groups training and control groups. In addition to the standard training programs in the off-season, the amputee athletes in the training group will receive PNF-based upper extremity strengthening training combined with core stabilization training by the same physiotherapist 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The amputee football players in the control group will be given upper extremity strengthening training with free weights in addition to core stabilization training 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The physical and demographic characteristics of the cases who signed the consent form will be recorded. Initial evaluations will be made before the start of the exercise training program and secondary evaluations will be made at the end of 8 weeks. Detailed information about the participants will be obtained with the Descriptive Characteristics Information Form. Single Leg Balance Test, Berg Balance Scale and Activity Specific Balance Confidence Scale will be used to obtain information about postural control and balance strategies of the participants. Pressure Feedback Unit will be used to measure the stabilization capacity of deep spinal muscles. Trunk muscle endurance tests developed by McGill will be used to assess the level of core stability. Isokinetic muscle strength of the upper extremity muscles will be measured with the ISOMED 2000 (2017-Germany) device. Hand grip strength will be measured with Jamar Hand Dynanometer. Closed Kinetic Ring Upper Extremity Test will be used to measure the strength, anaerobic power, and closed kinetic chain stability of the upper extremity. The Distance Triple Hop Test will be used to assess the strength, speed, balance, and control ability of a lower extremity with special emphasis on the distance traveled by the lower extremity. Sprint Test will be used to measure the running performance of amputee soccer players. The data will then be analyzed and interpreted with appropriate statistical methods.

Detailed description

Amputee football (AF) is a disability-specific football in which amputees can participate. Optimum flexibility, strength, endurance, speed, and agility are required to perform adequately in amputee football. However, amputee soccer requires intense strength and stability requirements on the upper extremities and trunk, especially due to the use of crutches. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of PNF-based upper extremity strengthening exercises combined with core stabilization exercises on physical fitness parameters in amputee football players. In the study, amputee soccer players will be randomly divided into two groups training and control groups. In addition to the standard training programs in the off-season, the amputee athletes in the training group will receive PNF-based upper extremity strengthening training combined with core stabilization training by the same physiotherapist 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The amputee football players in the control group will be given upper extremity strengthening training with free weights in addition to core stabilization training 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The physical and demographic characteristics of the cases who signed the consent form will be recorded. Initial evaluations will be made before the start of the exercise training program and secondary evaluations will be made at the end of 8 weeks. Detailed information about the participants will be obtained with the Descriptive Characteristics Information Form. Single Leg Balance Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Activity Specific Balance Confidence Scale will be used to obtain information about postural control and balance strategies of the participants. Pressure Feedback Unit will be used to measure the stabilization capacity of deep spinal muscles. Trunk muscle endurance tests developed by McGill will be used to assess the level of core stability. Isokinetic muscle strength of the upper extremity muscles will be measured with the ISOMED 2000 (2017-Germany) device. Hand grip strength will be measured with Jamar Hand Dynanometer. Closed Kinetic Ring Upper Extremity Test will be used to measure the strength, anaerobic power, and closed kinetic chain stability of the upper extremity. The Distance Triple Hop Test will be used to assess the strength, speed, balance, and control ability of a lower extremity with special emphasis on the distance traveled by the lower extremity. Sprint Test will be used to measure the running performance of amputee soccer players. The data will then be analyzed and interpreted with appropriate statistical methods.

Conditions

• Amputation
• Lower Limb Amputation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Training	Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) based upper extremity strengthening exercises to increase upper extremity muscle strength will be applied to the participants in the training group 3 days a week for 8 weeks. PNF-based upper extremity strengthening exercises will be performed with an elastic resistive band using bilateral symmetrical PNF patterns of "Flexion-Adduction-External Rotation-Extension-Abduction-Internal Rotation", "Flexion-Abduction-External Rotation-Extension-Adduction-Internal Rotation" on two different diagonals while individuals are in a sitting position in a supported chair. Core Stabilization Training will be continued for 8 weeks by increasing the difficulty and intensity of the exercises with limb movements and floor modifications after the amputee football players are taught how to find their neutral spine and how to maintain the position.
OTHER	Control Group	The control group will be trained with isotonic strengthening exercises of upper extremity muscles with free weights and core stabilization training 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Isotonic exercises involve muscle contraction with movement, where the muscle length changes while maintaining constant tension. Free weights such as dumbells will be used in the implementation of the exercises. 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) method will be used to determine the progression of the exercises.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-09-01
• Primary completion: 2025-06-01
• Completion: 2026-07-01
• First posted: 2024-08-15
• Last updated: 2026-04-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)