Structured Neuromuscular Exercise Program (nmep-run)

May 12, 2026 updated by: Elif Tunç

The Effect of s Structured Neuromuscular Exercise Program on Running Performance and Lower Extremity Biomechanics in Recreational Runners

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week structured neuromuscular exercise program on running performance and lower extremity biomechanics in recreational runners. The program includes progressive exercises focusing on hip and core strength, balance, plyometric control, and running-specific mobility. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group will perform the neuromuscular training twice a week for eight weeks, while the control group will not receive any structured exercise. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include biomechanical analysis and functional performance tests. The study aims to provide evidence for the preventive and performance-enhancing benefits of neuromuscular training in runners.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

Running is a repetitive and high-impact activity that places significant mechanical stress on the lower extremities. Improper movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and reduced neuromuscular control have been identified as key contributors to running-related injuries. Previous studies have demonstrated that neuromuscular training can enhance movement efficiency, improve joint stability, and reduce injury risk in athletic populations. However, there is limited evidence on the structured and progressive application of neuromuscular exercise programs specifically designed for recreational runners.

The present randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week structured neuromuscular exercise program on running performance and lower extremity biomechanics in recreational runners. The intervention includes progressive exercises focusing on hip and core strength, dynamic balance, plyometric control, and running-specific mobility. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group will perform the neuromuscular training twice weekly under supervision, while the control group will maintain their usual physical activity routine. Biomechanical assessments and functional performance tests will be conducted before and after the intervention period. This study seeks to provide scientific evidence supporting the preventive and performance-enhancing benefits of neuromuscular training in runners, contributing to injury prevention and performance optimization strategies.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

24

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

    • Istanbul
      • Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34726
        • Pt Academy

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age between 18 and 55 years

Recreational runners who have been running regularly (at least twice per week for the last 6 months)

No current musculoskeletal injury limiting running

Willing to participate in the 8-week neuromuscular exercise program and attend follow-up assessments

Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of lower limb surgery or fracture in the past 6 months

Neurological, vestibular, or systemic diseases affecting balance or gait

Current participation in a structured strength or neuromuscular training program

Pregnancy

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Prevention
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: NEUROMUSCULAR EXERCISE GROUP
Participants in this group will not receive any structured exercise program during the 8-week intervention period. They will maintain their usual physical activity and running habits. Assessments will be performed at the same pre- and post-intervention time points as the intervention group.
An 8-week structured neuromuscular exercise program including progressive exercises targeting hip and core strength, dynamic balance, plyometric control, and running-specific mobility. The program is performed twice per week under supervision. It is designed to improve running performance, neuromuscular control, and lower limb biomechanics in recreational runners.
No Intervention: CONTROL GROUP
Participants in this group will not receive any structured exercise program during the 8-week intervention period. They will maintain their usual physical activity and running habits. Assessments will be performed at the same pre- and post-intervention time points as the intervention group.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Running performance
Time Frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Change in running performance will be assessed using a standardized time-trial test to evaluate the effectiveness of the neuromuscular exercise program in improving endurance and speed in recreational runners.
Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Dynamic balance
Time Frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Balance performance will be evaluated using the Y-Balance Test to determine improvements in postural control after the neuromuscular training intervention.
Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Lower limb strength
Time Frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
hip abductor muscle strength will be measured using handheld dynamometry
Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

September 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

September 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 1, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 12, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

May 19, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 19, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 12, 2026

Last Verified

January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because the dataset includes identifiable physiological and biomechanical data collected from human participants. Data sharing is restricted by ethical approval and participant consent regulations. Only aggregated results will be reported in publications.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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