Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Feldenkrais in Male Cricket Players

NCT07440719 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR & AHS/24/0480
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 42
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

In the dynamic and physically demanding sport of cricket, players require not only skill but also high levels of agility, balance, and endurance to perform optimally. Traditional training methods may not always address the specific neuromuscular and movement control needs essential for peak performance. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and Feldenkrais Method both focuses on body awareness and functional movement, helping athletes increase flexibility, coordination, and adaptability. Understanding how these methods impact athletic performance can aid in developing specialized training strategies for cricket players to optimize overall physical readiness. This study examines the comparative effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and the Feldenkrais Method on agility, balance, and endurance in male cricket players. This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial will recruit 42 male cricket players aged 18-30 from the Tando Muhammad Khan Cricket Club in Pakistan, over a 10-month period post-synopsis approval. Participants will be divided into two groups: Group A performing dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises, and Group B using the Feldenkrais method. Convenience sampling will select players with at least one year of experience and regular training, excluding those with recent injuries, surgeries, or lower extremity deformities. Agility, balance, and endurance will be assessed using the T-test, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Plank Test, respectively. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 26.

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Keywords

Cricket, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability, Feldenkrais

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• T-test Agility:

  The Agility T-test is a widely used assessment of an athlete's ability to change direction quickly and efficiently. It involves sprinting forward, shuffling laterally, and backpedaling between four cones arranged in a "T" shape. The test begins at Cone A, where the athlete sprints to Cone B, touches it, shuffles to Cone C, then to Cone D, returns to Cone B, and backpedals to Cone A, stopping the timer upon crossing Cone A. It effectively measures agility, speed, and body control, and has a high reliability coefficient (r=0.98), making it a trusted tool for evaluating athletic performance in sports requiring quick directional changes.

  6 Weeks

• Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)

  In this test, the subject stands on one leg in the center of an imaginary or taped "star" on the ground with eight lines extending outward at 45-degree angles, resembling a compass. The individual reaches out with the non-stance leg to touch as far along each line as possible while maintaining balance on the stance leg. SEBT has demonstrated high reliability (ICC \> 0.81) in clinical settings, providing consistent measurements for assessing balance capabilities

  6 Weeks

• Plank Test for endurance

  During the exercise, individuals hold a position similar to the top of a push-up, maintaining a straight line from head to heels. Research shows that the plank exercise is a reliable indicator of core endurance, with studies demonstrating high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.96) across various populations.

  6 Weeks

Study Arms (2)

Group A

EXPERIMENTAL

Perform dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercise.

Other: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercise

Group B

EXPERIMENTAL

Will be assigned with Feldenkrais method.

Other: Feldenkrais Method.

Interventions

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercise OTHER

DNS training protocol focuses on improving agility, balance, endurance, and movement control athletes. DNS group protocol involved 5 minutes warm-up 45 minutes DNS exercise and 5 minutes cool-down. The exercise included Baby Rock (supine 90-90), Prone, Rolling, Side Lying, Oblique Sit, Tripod, Kneeling, Squat and Czech Get Up (CGP).

Group A

Feldenkrais Method. OTHER

Feldenkrais Method The session begins with a 5-minute warm-up including a body scan to promote relaxation and body awareness. This is followed by 45 minutes of Awareness Through Movement exercises such as pelvic rocking, leg slides, knee hugs, rolling patterns, and standing balance activities to improve flexibility, coordination, and stability. Dynamic movement sequences emphasize proper alignment and smooth, controlled motion. The session concludes with gentle stretching and a 5-minute cool-down with reflection. This protocol enhances flexibility, coordination, and endurance, supporting improved athletic performance.

Group B

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male player age between 18 and 30 years' old.
• Players with at least 1 years cricket experience.
• Players who engage in at least 3 cricket training sessions per week.
• Players who have not participated in dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) or Feldenkrais training within the past 6 months.

You may not qualify if:

• Athletes using foot orthoses
• Any lower limb muscle injury or trauma in the past 6 months
• Had undergone lower limb surgery in the past 1 year
• Had lower extremity deformities: pes cavus, pes equinus, hallux valgus.
• Had a sign of diagnosis neurological deficit over the lower extremities.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Pakistan Sports Board

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

Location

Study Officials

• SHOAIB AHMED, MS

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

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

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 23, 2026
• First Posted: February 27, 2026
• Study Start: December 30, 2024
• Primary Completion: June 30, 2025
• Study Completion: July 30, 2025
• Last Updated: February 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)