Effects of Pilates and Neuromuscular Exercises on Postural Control in Dynamic Knee Valgus

NCT07192796 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: E-22686390-050.99-41964
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of neuromuscular and Pilates exercise programs compared with a control group in young adults with dynamic knee valgus (DKV). Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to neuromuscular, Pilates, or control groups. The intervention groups completed a supervised exercise program three times per week for six weeks (18 sessions). The primary outcome is the frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) during single-leg tasks. Secondary outcomes include muscle strength, balance, and vertical jump performance.

Conditions

Dynamic Knee Valgus; Knee Injuries; Postural Control Deficit

Keywords

Dynamic knee valgus; Neuromuscular exercise; Pilates; Frontal plane projection angle; Postural control

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Frontal Plane Projection Angle (FPPA)

  Participants performed a single-leg vertical drop jump from a 20 cm platform with the dominant leg while keeping their hands on the waist. Knee valgus angle at landing was recorded using 2D video analysis with a camera placed 3 m in front at a height of 45 cm.

  At baseline (Day 1) and following completion of 6 weeks of intervention (Week 6)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Isometric Strength of Gluteus Medius

  At baseline (Day 1) and following completion of 6 weeks of intervention (Week 6)

• Isometric Strength of Rectus Femoris

  At baseline (Day 1) and following completion of 6 weeks of intervention (Week 6)

Other Outcomes (7)

• Postural Stability Test - Overall Stability Index (Biodex)

  At baseline (Day 1) and following completion of 6 weeks of intervention (Week 6)

• Postural Stability Test - Anterior-Posterior Stability Index (Biodex)

  At baseline (Day 1) and following completion of 6 weeks of intervention (Week 6)

• Postural Stability Test - Medial-Lateral Stability Index (Biodex)

  At baseline (Day 1) and following completion of 6 weeks of intervention (Week 6)

Study Arms (3)

Pilates Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group completed a 6-week supervised Pilates exercise program, with 18 sessions. The program included mat-based and resistance band exercises focusing on core stabilization and postural alignment.

Behavioral: Pilates Exercise Program

Neuromuscular Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group performed a progressive neuromuscular training program for 6 weeks, with 18 supervised sessions. The program emphasized balance, proprioception, dynamic stability, and strengthening of lower extremity muscles.

Behavioral: Neuromuscular Exercise Program

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group did not receive any exercise intervention during the 6-week period. They underwent the same baseline and post-intervention assessments as the experimental groups but continued with their usual daily activities.

Interventions

Pilates Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

A 6-week supervised Pilates exercise program, with 18 sessions. Exercises focused on core stabilization, posture, and lower limb alignment using mat-based and resistance band movements.

Pilates Exercise Group

Neuromuscular Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

A 6-week supervised neuromuscular training program, 18 sessions . Training emphasized balance, proprioception, dynamic stability, and strengthening of lower extremity muscles.

Neuromuscular Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 24 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• having asymptomatic dynamic knee valgus
• being between 18 and 24 years of age
• having no medical history, a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 24
• no history of orthopedic, neurological, vascular, systemic, or rheumatic diseases
• no complaints of pain in any part of the body during physical activities
• the ability to communicate in Turkish (both written and verbal)

You may not qualify if:

• individuals with hip anteversion or retroversion or other postural disorders affecting knee kinematics, those unable to perform the exercises as demonstrated, those experiencing pain during exercises (VAS \>5)
• individuals with a history of orthopedic surgery, those with strength deficits between extremities
• the presence of cognitive or psychological disorders that could hinder cooperation
• pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
• sleep disorders, regular medication use, intake of painkillers, sedatives, or psychiatric drugs within the last 24 hours
• history of chronic systemic, rheumatologic, neurological, or vascular diseases

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Şebnem Nur Alkan: lead

Study Sites (1)

Atlas University

Istanbul, Kagıthane, 34403, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Knee Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Leg Injuries; Wounds and Injuries

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Single-blind design: Both participants and the outcome assessor were blinded to group allocation. Exercise providers were not blinded due to the nature of the intervention.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor of Physiotherapy, Atlas University

Model Details: Participants were randomized into three parallel groups: a Pilates exercise group, a neuromuscular exercise group, and a control group. Interventions were delivered over 6 weeks (18 sessions).

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 3, 2025
• First Posted: September 25, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: August 20, 2024
• Study Completion: August 30, 2024
• Last Updated: September 25, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)