ACL Mechanical Property Changes in Female Collegiate Basketball Players During a Competitive Season

NCT07486466 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: FJUH114511
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This prospective cohort study aims to investigate whether the mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) undergo measurable changes throughout a competitive basketball season in female collegiate athletes. Female athletes are at a significantly higher risk for non-contact ACL injuries compared to males. Beyond acute injuries, cumulative stress from high-intensity sports may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's biomechanical properties, potentially increasing injury risk. Using non-invasive shear wave elastography (SWE) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, the study will monitor 60 elite players before and after the University Basketball League (UBL) season. The findings will help identify potential signs of cumulative loading and contribute to the development of early detection markers for injury risk in female athletes.

Conditions

Female Athletes; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletic Performance; Sports Injuries; Biomechanical Phenomena

Keywords

ACL injuries; female basketball players; shear wave elastography; biomechanical variable

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• ACL Shear Modulus

  The shear modulus of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) will be measured using shear wave elastography (SWE). This value serves as a quantitative indicator of ligament tissue stiffness.

  Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)

• ACL Shear Wave Speed

  The velocity of shear waves propagating through the ACL tissue, measured via SWE. This value is used to evaluate the structural integrity and density of the ligament tissue.

  Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)

• Reactive Strength Index (RSI)

  Calculated as the ratio of jump height to ground contact time (RSI = jump height / ground contact time) during a countermovement jump (CMJ). This index evaluates the explosive power and neuromuscular control of the lower limbs.

  Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)

• Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height

  The maximum vertical displacement of the center of mass during a countermovement jump, measured using KFORCE force plates.

  Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Only female athletes are recruited due to the significantly higher risk of ACL injuries in this population.
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Elite female collegiate basketball teams

You may qualify if:

• Female collegiate basketball players currently active in Division I
• Aged between 18 and 35 years
• At least 5 years of formal basketball training experience
• No prior history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in either knee
• Ability to participate in both pre-season and post-season testing sessions

You may not qualify if:

• Lower limb injury during the study period resulting in interruption of training for one month or longer
• Bilateral knee surgery for any reason during the course of the study

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

FJUH Institutional Review Board

New Taipei City, Taishan District, 243, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletic Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Knee Injuries; Leg Injuries; Wounds and Injuries

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 5, 2026
• First Posted: March 20, 2026
• Study Start: September 30, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 30, 2026
• Study Completion: July 30, 2026
• Last Updated: July 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Locations

TW (1)