Sports Injury RiskNCT07868276
Association Between Pre-Season Physical Capacity and Injury Risk in Professional Soccer Players
An observational study of Sports Injury Risk and Lower Extremity Injuries, run by Istanbul Gelisim University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This prospective observational study aims to investigate the relationship between pre-season physical capacities and lower-extremity injury risk during the competitive season in professional male soccer players. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sports Injury Risk, Lower Extremity Injuries, Physical Fitness
- What is being tested?
- Pre-Season Physical Performance Assessment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 2 Oct 2025to 2 Oct 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: The study population consists of 28 healthy male professional soccer players aged 18-35 years who actively participate in professional league competitions. Eligible participants have at least five years of soccer training experience and regularly attend a minimum of five training sessions per week. Players without current illness or injury and without a history of lower-extremity injury during the preceding six months undergo standardized pre-season physical performance assessments. Participants are subsequently followed for lower-extremity injury occurrence during the competitive season.
Who may be able to join
- Male professional soccer players aged 18-35 years. At least five years of structured soccer training experience. Active participation in professional league competitions at national or international level.
- Regular participation in at least five soccer training sessions per week. Being free from any current illness or injury. No history of lower-extremity injury within the preceding six months. Voluntary participation in the study. Provision of written informed consent before participation.
Who cannot join
- Being younger than 18 or older than 35 years. Having fewer than five years of soccer training experience. Participating in fewer than five training sessions per week. Presence of an illness or current musculoskeletal injury. History of lower-extremity injury within the previous six months. Alcohol consumption or regular medication use, as specified in the study protocol.
- Refusal to provide written informed consent.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34310
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Relationship Between Pre-Season Physical Capacities and Injury Risk During the Competitive Season in Professional Soccer Players
This prospective observational study aims to investigate the relationship between pre-season physical capacities and lower-extremity injury risk during the competitive season in professional male soccer players.
A total of 28 healthy professional male soccer players aged 18-35 years, with at least five years of training experience, will be included in the study. Participants will undergo comprehensive physical performance assessments during the pre-season period without being assigned to any experimental intervention or additional exercise program.
Read more
Baseline assessments will include anthropometric measurements, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, overhead squat assessment, aerobic fitness using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT), eccentric hamstring strength using the NordBord system, and hip abduction and adduction strength using the GroinBar system. Inter-limb strength asymmetries will also be evaluated.
Following the pre-season assessments, participants will be monitored for lower-extremity injuries during the competitive season. Injury information, including anatomical location, injury type, duration, and recurrence, will be collected from club physiotherapists and coaching staff.
The primary objective is to examine whether pre-season physical performance characteristics, particularly hamstring strength, hip muscle strength, and inter-limb strength differences, are associated with subsequent lower-extremity injury occurrence.
The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between pre-season physical capacity and injury risk in professional soccer and may help sports medicine professionals, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches identify relevant physical performance indicators for athlete monitoring.
- Being tested
- Pre-Season Physical Performance Assessment
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pre-Season Physical Performance AssessmentDiagnostic test
Participants undergo standardized pre-season physical performance assessments, including countermovement jump, overhead squat, 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, eccentric hamstring strength assessment using the NordBord system, and hip abduction and adduction strength assessment using the GroinBar system. These assessments are performed to investigate associations between baseline physical capacities and subsequent lower-extremity injury occurrence. No experimental exercise intervention is administered.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Soccer Players | A prospective observational cohort consisting of 28 professional male soccer players aged 18-35 years with at least five years of training experience. Participants undergo pre-season physical performance assessments, including anthropometric measurements, countermovement jump (CMJ), overhead squat assessment, aerobic fitness using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, eccentric hamstring strength using the NordBord system, and hip abduction and adduction strength using the GroinBar system. Lower-extremity injury occurrence, anatomical location, injury type, duration, and recurrence are subsequently monitored during the competitive season using records obtained from club physiotherapists and coaching staff. No randomization or experimental training intervention is performed. Receives: Diagnostic Test: Pre-Season Physical Performance Assessment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Incidence of Lower Extremity Injuries
Lower-extremity injury occurrence will be monitored following pre-season physical performance assessments. Injury data will be obtained from club physiotherapists and coaching staff. The number of injuries, anatomical location (e.g., hamstring, hip, and knee), injury type, duration, and recurrence will be recorded. The outcome will be used to examine associations between pre-season physical capacities and subsequent injury occurrence in professional soccer players.
Measured: From Baseline Through 12 Months of Follow-up
Secondary outcomes (7)
Maximal Eccentric Hamstring Strength
Maximal eccentric knee flexor force of the right and left legs will be assessed using the NordBord system (VALD Performance, Australia). Force will be measured using integrated load cells operating at a sampling frequency of 50 Hz. Maximal force values will be recorded separately for each leg and expressed in newtons (N).
Measured: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Hamstring Inter-Limb Strength Asymmetry
Inter-limb strength asymmetry will be determined from the eccentric hamstring force measurements obtained using the NordBord system. Differences between right- and left-leg force production will be recorded and expressed as a percentage (%).
Measured: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Hip Abduction Strength
Hip abduction strength will be evaluated bilaterally using the GroinBar system. Participants will be assessed in a supine position. Three repetitions will be performed for each leg, and the highest recorded force value will be used for analysis. Measurements will be obtained separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs.
Measured: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Countermovement Jump Height
Lower-body explosive performance will be assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test with the Witty system. Participants will perform two maximal jump trials following standardized instructions. Jump performance will be recorded in centimeters (cm).
Measured: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Overhead Squat Movement Assessment Score
Movement quality will be assessed using the overhead squat test. Participants perform two repetitions while shoulder, trunk, hip, knee, and ankle movement patterns are visually observed. The regional observation scores are combined into a single overall movement assessment score (unitless), which is the only value reported for this outcome measure.
Measured: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Estimated Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Aerobic fitness will be evaluated using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT). Participants will perform progressive 40-meter shuttle runs consisting of 30-second running periods separated by 15-second recovery intervals. Running speed will increase by 0.5 km/h at each stage. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) will be estimated from test performance using the Buchheit equation and expressed in mL/kg/min.
Measured: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Hip Adduction Strength
Hip adduction strength will be evaluated bilaterally using the GroinBar system. Participants will be assessed in a supine position. Three repetitions will be performed for each leg, and the highest recorded force value will be used for analysis. Measurements will be obtained separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs.
Measured: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Oct 2026
- Study start2 Oct 2025
- Primary completion2 Oct 2026
- Study completion2 Oct 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Sports Injury RiskStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gelisim University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Görkem Açar, Istanbul Gelisim University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07868276
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TUTAR-PRESEASON-2025-01
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Relationship Between Pre-Season Physical Capacities and Injury Risk During the Competitive Season in Professional Soccer Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07868276
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TUTAR-PRESEASON-2025-01
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gelisim UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 2 Oct 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 9 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This prospective observational study aims to investigate the relationship between pre-season physical capacities and lower-extremity injury risk during the competitive season in professional male soccer players.
A total of 28 healthy professional male soccer players aged 18-35 years, with at least five years of training experience, will be included in the study. Participants will undergo comprehensive physical performance assessments during the pre-season period without being assigned to any experimental intervention or additional exercise program.
Baseline assessments will include anthropometric measurements, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, overhead squat assessment, aerobic fitness using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT), eccentric hamstring strength using the NordBord system, and hip abduction and adduction strength using the GroinBar system. Inter-limb strength asymmetries will also be evaluated.
Following the pre-season assessments, participants will be monitored for lower-extremity injuries during the competitive season. Injury information, including anatomical location, injury type, duration, and recurrence, will be collected from club physiotherapists and coaching staff.
The primary objective is to examine whether pre-season physical performance characteristics, particularly hamstring strength, hip muscle strength, and inter-limb strength differences, are associated with subsequent lower-extremity injury occurrence.
The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between pre-season physical capacity and injury risk in professional soccer and may help sports medicine professionals, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches identify relevant physical performance indicators for athlete monitoring.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Soccer Players | – | Diagnostic Test: Pre-Season Physical Performance AssessmentA prospective observational cohort consisting of 28 professional male soccer players aged 18-35 years with at least five years of training experience. Participants undergo pre-season physical performance assessments, including anthropometric measurements, countermovement jump (CMJ), overhead squat assessment, aerobic fitness using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, eccentric hamstring strength using the NordBord system, and hip abduction and adduction strength using the GroinBar system. Lower-extremity injury occurrence, anatomical location, injury type, duration, and recurrence are subsequently monitored during the competitive season using records obtained from club physiotherapists and coaching staff. No randomization or experimental training intervention is performed. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- The study population consists of 28 healthy male professional soccer players aged 18-35 years who actively participate in professional league competitions. Eligible participants have at least five years of soccer training experience and regularly attend a minimum of five training sessions per week. Players without current illness or injury and without a history of lower-extremity injury during the preceding six months undergo standardized pre-season physical performance assessments. Participants are subsequently followed for lower-extremity injury occurrence during the competitive season.
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Male professional soccer players aged 18-35 years. At least five years of structured soccer training experience. Active participation in professional league competitions at national or international level.
- Regular participation in at least five soccer training sessions per week. Being free from any current illness or injury. No history of lower-extremity injury within the preceding six months. Voluntary participation in the study. Provision of written informed consent before participation.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Being younger than 18 or older than 35 years. Having fewer than five years of soccer training experience. Participating in fewer than five training sessions per week. Presence of an illness or current musculoskeletal injury. History of lower-extremity injury within the previous six months. Alcohol consumption or regular medication use, as specified in the study protocol.
- Refusal to provide written informed consent.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Season Physical Performance AssessmentParticipants undergo standardized pre-season physical performance assessments, including countermovement jump, overhead squat, 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, eccentric hamstring strength assessment using the NordBord system, and hip abduction and adduction strength assessment using the GroinBar system. These assessments are performed to investigate associations between baseline physical capacities and subsequent lower-extremity injury occurrence. No experimental exercise intervention is administered. | Diagnostic test | Professional Soccer Players |
Primary outcome
Incidence of Lower Extremity Injuries
Time frame: From Baseline Through 12 Months of Follow-up
Lower-extremity injury occurrence will be monitored following pre-season physical performance assessments. Injury data will be obtained from club physiotherapists and coaching staff. The number of injuries, anatomical location (e.g., hamstring, hip, and knee), injury type, duration, and recurrence will be recorded. The outcome will be used to examine associations between pre-season physical capacities and subsequent injury occurrence in professional soccer players.
7 secondary outcomes
Maximal Eccentric Hamstring Strength
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Hamstring Inter-Limb Strength Asymmetry
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Hip Abduction Strength
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Overhead Squat Movement Assessment Score
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Estimated Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Hip Adduction Strength
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-season Assessment)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Oct 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Sports Injury Risk and Lower Extremity Injuries, run by Istanbul Gelisim University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Incidence of Lower Extremity Injuries (time frame: From Baseline Through 12 Months of Follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Oct 2026.