Effects of Core Exercises on Balance in People With and Without ACL Surgery

NCT07328139 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2023/361
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of an 8-week core stabilization exercise program on balance, trunk muscle endurance, and lower body strength. The study includes two groups of participants: 15 individuals who have had Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery and 15 healthy individuals. Both groups will perform the same core stabilization exercises for 8 weeks, twice a week, under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The goal is to determine if this exercise program improves balance and core strength in people who have had ACL surgery and to compare these results with those of healthy individuals performing the same exercises.

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Dynamic Balance as Measured by the Y-Balance Test

  The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is used to assess dynamic postural control. Participants stand on one leg at the center of a grid and reach with the other leg as far as possible in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. The maximum reach distance in each direction is recorded in centimeters. A higher score indicates better dynamic balance.

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Change in Trunk Muscle Endurance as Measured by the McGill Core Endurance Tests

  Trunk muscle endurance is assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Test battery, which consists of four tests: a trunk flexor endurance test, a trunk extensor endurance test (Sorenson test), and right and left lateral trunk muscle endurance tests (side bridge). The time in seconds that a participant can hold each specific position without losing the correct form is recorded. A longer time indicates greater endurance.

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

ACL Reconstruction Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm are individuals who have undergone unilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery within the last 5 years. These participants will receive a core stabilization exercise program for 8 weeks, with supervised sessions held twice per week. The exercise program includes movements such as the Hundreds, clam exercise, plank, side plank, dead bug, and bridging.

Behavioral: Core Stabilization Exercise Program

Healthy Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm are healthy individuals with no known history of lower extremity injury or surgery. This group is matched to the ACL Reconstruction Group. These participants will also receive the same core stabilization exercise program for 8 weeks, with supervised sessions held twice per week, to serve as a comparison group.

Behavioral: Core Stabilization Exercise Program

Interventions

Core Stabilization Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

Participants receive a supervised core stabilization exercise program for a duration of 8 weeks. Sessions are conducted twice per week by a physiotherapist. The program includes a set of standardized exercises such as the Hundreds, clam exercise, plank, side plank, dead bug exercise, curl-ups, and bridging.

ACL Reconstruction Group; Healthy Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18 and 65 years.
• Agreement to participate regularly in the 8-week exercise program.
• No contraindications to physical activity, as assessed by a medical professional.
• ACLR group: history of unilateral ACL reconstruction within the past five years.
• Control group: no known history of lower extremity injury or surgery.

You may not qualify if:

• Any musculoskeletal or neurological condition affecting balance or core stabilization.
• Participation in a structured core stabilization exercise program within the previous six months.
• Any acute injury or systemic disease that may interfere with study participation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Biruni University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Istanbul, Fatih, 34093, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Head of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 26, 2025
• First Posted: January 9, 2026
• Study Start: February 22, 2024
• Primary Completion: September 23, 2024
• Study Completion: September 23, 2024
• Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)