Contralateral Effects of Unilateral Isokinetic vs. Single-Leg Squat Training in Sedentary Women

NCT07425288 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 13.11.2023-E.795767
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 47
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the contralateral effects of unilateral training in sedentary women. Specifically, the study compares unilateral isokinetic training and single-leg squat training to determine their effects on strength, proprioception, and muscle thickness in both the trained and untrained lower extremities. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the training groups. The intervention will be applied to one lower limb only. Strength, proprioception, and muscle thickness will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The primary objective is to evaluate whether unilateral training induces cross-education effects in the contralateral limb. The findings of this study may contribute to rehabilitation strategies by clarifying the potential benefits of unilateral exercise programs for improving neuromuscular performance and muscle morphology in sedentary individuals.

Conditions

Muscle Strength; Proprioception

Keywords

contralateral training; isokinetic training; single-leg squat; proprioception.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Muscle Strength

  Muscle strength of the lower extremities will be assessed using isokinetic dynamometry to evaluate peak torque values in both the trained and contralateral limbs.

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Proprioception

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

• Muscle Thickness

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (3)

Unilateral Isokinetic Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive unilateral isokinetic strength training applied to one lower extremity only. The contralateral limb will not receive any direct intervention.

Behavioral: Unilateral Isokinetic Training

Unilateral Single-Leg Squat Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will perform unilateral single-leg squat training on one lower extremity only. The opposite limb will not receive any direct training.

Behavioral: Unilateral Single-Leg Squat Training

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group will not receive any exercise or training intervention during the study period and will continue their usual daily activities.

Interventions

Unilateral Isokinetic Training BEHAVIORAL

Unilateral isokinetic strength training will be applied to one lower extremity using an isokinetic dynamometer. The training program will be performed according to the study protocol. The contralateral limb will not receive any direct intervention.

Unilateral Isokinetic Training

Unilateral Single-Leg Squat Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants will perform unilateral single-leg squat exercises on one lower extremity according to the study protocol. The opposite limb will not receive any direct training.

Unilateral Single-Leg Squat Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• female gender,
• no lower extremity problems in the last 6 months,
• not actively participating in sports

You may not qualify if:

• history of orthopedic surgery within the last 2 years,
• ongoing lower extremity pain, systemic disease that could prevent exercise,
• a neurological problems.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cagatay Muslum Gokdogan: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gazi University, Faculty of Health Sciences

Ankara, Ankara, 06560, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups. Two experimental groups will receive unilateral exercise interventions, consisting of unilateral isokinetic training or unilateral single-leg squat training. A third group will serve as a control group and will not receive any intervention. Participants will remain in their assigned groups throughout the study period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 13, 2026
• First Posted: February 20, 2026
• Study Start: November 15, 2023
• Primary Completion: April 10, 2024
• Study Completion: May 22, 2024
• Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)