Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Feldenkrais in Male Cricket Players

Comparative Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Feldenkrais Method on Agility, Balance and Endurance in Male Cricket Players

In the dynamic and physically demanding sport of cricket, players require not only skill but also high levels of agility, balance, and endurance to perform optimally. Traditional training methods may not always address the specific neuromuscular and movement control needs essential for peak performance. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and Feldenkrais Method both focuses on body awareness and functional movement, helping athletes increase flexibility, coordination, and adaptability. Understanding how these methods impact athletic performance can aid in developing specialized training strategies for cricket players to optimize overall physical readiness. This study examines the comparative effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and the Feldenkrais Method on agility, balance, and endurance in male cricket players.

This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial will recruit 42 male cricket players aged 18-30 from the Tando Muhammad Khan Cricket Club in Pakistan, over a 10-month period post-synopsis approval. Participants will be divided into two groups: Group A performing dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises, and Group B using the Feldenkrais method. Convenience sampling will select players with at least one year of experience and regular training, excluding those with recent injuries, surgeries, or lower extremity deformities. Agility, balance, and endurance will be assessed using the T-test, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Plank Test, respectively. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 26.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Sports Physical Therapy
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercise; Other: Feldenkrais Method.

Detailed Description

The study's objective is to comparative effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercise and the Feldenkrais method on agility, balance and endurance in male cricket players

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 42
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Punjab Province
    • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000
      • Pakistan Sports Board

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male player age between 18 and 30 years' old.
• Players with at least 1 years cricket experience.
• Players who engage in at least 3 cricket training sessions per week.
• Players who have not participated in dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) or Feldenkrais training within the past 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Athletes using foot orthoses
• Any lower limb muscle injury or trauma in the past 6 months
• Had undergone lower limb surgery in the past 1 year
• Had lower extremity deformities: pes cavus, pes equinus, hallux valgus.
• Had a sign of diagnosis neurological deficit over the lower extremities.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Group A; Perform dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercise.	Other: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercise; DNS training protocol focuses on improving agility, balance, endurance, and movement control athletes. DNS group protocol involved 5 minutes warm-up 45 minutes DNS exercise and 5 minutes cool-down. The exercise included Baby Rock (supine 90-90), Prone, Rolling, Side Lying, Oblique Sit, Tripod, Kneeling, Squat and Czech Get Up (CGP).
Experimental: Group B; Will be assigned with Feldenkrais method.	Other: Feldenkrais Method.; Feldenkrais Method The session begins with a 5-minute warm-up including a body scan to promote relaxation and body awareness. This is followed by 45 minutes of Awareness Through Movement exercises such as pelvic rocking, leg slides, knee hugs, rolling patterns, and standing balance activities to improve flexibility, coordination, and stability. Dynamic movement sequences emphasize proper alignment and smooth, controlled motion. The session concludes with gentle stretching and a 5-minute cool-down with reflection. This protocol enhances flexibility, coordination, and endurance, supporting improved athletic performance.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
T-test Agility:	The Agility T-test is a widely used assessment of an athlete's ability to change direction quickly and efficiently. It involves sprinting forward, shuffling laterally, and backpedaling between four cones arranged in a "T" shape. The test begins at Cone A, where the athlete sprints to Cone B, touches it, shuffles to Cone C, then to Cone D, returns to Cone B, and backpedals to Cone A, stopping the timer upon crossing Cone A. It effectively measures agility, speed, and body control, and has a high reliability coefficient (r=0.98), making it a trusted tool for evaluating athletic performance in sports requiring quick directional changes.	6 Weeks
Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)	In this test, the subject stands on one leg in the center of an imaginary or taped "star" on the ground with eight lines extending outward at 45-degree angles, resembling a compass. The individual reaches out with the non-stance leg to touch as far along each line as possible while maintaining balance on the stance leg. SEBT has demonstrated high reliability (ICC > 0.81) in clinical settings, providing consistent measurements for assessing balance capabilities	6 Weeks
Plank Test for endurance	During the exercise, individuals hold a position similar to the top of a push-up, maintaining a straight line from head to heels. Research shows that the plank exercise is a reliable indicator of core endurance, with studies demonstrating high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.96) across various populations.	6 Weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Riphah International University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: SHOAIB AHMED, MS, Riphah International University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 30, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): June 30, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): July 30, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 23, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 23, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): February 27, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): February 27, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 23, 2026
• Last Verified: February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Cricket, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability, Feldenkrais
• Other Study ID Numbers: REC/RCR & AHS/24/0480

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No