Neuromuscular Effects of Coordinated Locomotor Training on Core Stability and Postural Control in Athletes (CLT-CORE)

Study Design:

This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The study will be conducted at the University of Faisalabad, Government College University of Faisalabad, and Agriculture University of Faisalabad. The study population consists of novice runners from these universities.

Sample Size and Sampling:

A total of 28 participants will be enrolled, as calculated using Epitool software.

Eligibility Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria: (1) Age between 18 and 30 years; (2) Running less than 10 miles per week; (3) Not participating in running sports (such as soccer) more than once per week; (4) Less than one year of consistent running experience; (5) Both male and female novice runners.

Exclusion Criteria: (1) History of musculoskeletal injury in the past six months; (2) Diagnosed neurological or vestibular disorders; (3) Presence of current pain, discomfort, or functional limitation during normal or athletic activities (4) Regular use of medications that affect neuromuscular performance, coordination, or balance; (5) Pregnant women.

Intervention Details:

Group A (Coordinated Locomotor Training):

Each session begins with a 5-minute warm-up to familiarize participants with the sprinter and skater techniques. Participants actively perform both movements in a standing position twice per week for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. Participants perform coordinated movement training in four positions: supine, crawling, sitting, and standing. Each position includes 10 repetitions per set, with 3 sets completed, taking approximately 30 minutes. The remaining time includes transition, rest, and cool-down activities.

Group B (Plyometric Training):

The warm-up consists of 2 series of 30 seconds of stimulation including 30 seconds of cool-down with multi-directional jumps. There is a 5-second interval between each jump . The plyometric training protocol consists of 6 series of squat jumps with 30 seconds of activation and 30 seconds of relaxation. There is a 2-second interval between each jump within each series. Participants jump onto a box with a height of 45 centimeters.

Outcome Measures and Assessment Tools:

Static Core Stability: Assessed using the Mcgill core endurance tests and the Sahrmann core stability test (5 levels).

Dynamic Core Stability and Postural Control: Assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Romberg test with eyes open and eyes closed conditions.

Randomization and Blinding:

Participants will be randomly assigned to either group using a computer-generated random sequence. The study is double-blind. Participants cannot be blinded due to the nature of the interventions.

Data Collection Procedure:

After obtaining informed consent, researchers will record baseline measurements for all outcome measures. The same measurements will be repeated at the end of the 8-week intervention period. All assessments will be conducted by trained physical therapists who are blinded to group allocation.

Statistical Analysis:

Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics will be calculated for demographic variables. Within-group comparisons will be performed using paired t-tests (if data are normally distributed) or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (if non-normal). Between-group comparisons will be performed using independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.

Ethical Considerations:

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Research Ethics/Technical Committee of the University of Faisalabad. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment.