Effect of Reactive Balance Training Versus Conventional Balance Training on Dynamic Stability and Change-of-Direction Performance in Competitive Tennis Players

NCT07590674 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/04/284
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 64
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of reactive balance training versus conventional balance training on dynamic stability and change of direction performance. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Each group will receive its respective intervention over a 6-week period. Outcome measures, including dynamic stability assessed by the Y-Balance Test and change-of-direction performance measured using the 505 Agility Test, will be evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. The study is designed to determine which training approach is more effective in improving balance and functional performance.

Conditions

Dynamic Stability; Athletic Performance; Postural Balance

Keywords

Reactive Balance Training; Sports Rehabilitation; Change of Direction; Dynamic Stability; Y-Balance Test

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Dynamic Stability

  Dynamic stability will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test (Lower Quarter), which measures reach distance in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. The composite score (normalized to limb length) will be used to evaluate postural control and balance performance.

  Baseline (Pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks (Post-intervention)

• Change of Direction Performance

  Change-of-direction ability will be assessed using the 505 Agility Test, which measures the time (in seconds) required to accelerate, change direction (180° turn), and return over a set distance. Lower time indicates better performance.

  Baseline (Pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks (Post-intervention)

Study Arms (2)

Reactive balance training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive a structured reactive balance training program focusing on unpredictable, perturbation-based exercises to enhance neuromuscular control and dynamic stability. The intervention will include single-leg stance with manual perturbations, reactive stepping, sudden directional changes in response to verbal or visual cues, resistance band perturbations, and tennis-specific reactive movements. Exercises will be progressively advanced by increasing instability, speed of response, and dual-task demands.

Other: Experimental group : Reactive Balance Training

Conventional Balance Training

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive a structured conventional balance training program focusing on static and controlled balance exercises without external perturbations.

Other: Active comparator ( Conventional Balance Training)

Interventions

Experimental group : Reactive Balance Training OTHER

Participants will receive a structured reactive balance training program based on unpredictable perturbation-based exercises requiring rapid postural correction. The intervention will be conducted for 6 weeks (3 sessions/week) and will follow a progressive protocol.

Reactive balance training

Active comparator ( Conventional Balance Training) OTHER

Participants will receive a structured conventional balance training program based on static and controlled exercises without external perturbation, conducted for 6 weeks (3 sessions/week).

Conventional Balance Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male and female competitive tennis players aged 18-25 years.
• Minimum 2 years of regular tennis training experience.
• Currently training at least 3 sessions per week (minimum 60 minutes per session).

You may not qualify if:

• Recent injury (last 3 months)
• Neurological, balance or vestibular disorders
• Previous surgery
• Participation in any structured balance, neuromuscular, plyometric, or agility training program outside regular tennis practice during the study period.
• Use of ankle/knee braces or orthotic devices that may influence balance performance.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ibadat International University, Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)

Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Hafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MSNMPT

  IBADAT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD (IIUI)

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Laiba Zia Laiba Zia, DPT, MSPT (SPORTS)

CONTACT

+92923125299816; zialaiba0@gmail.com

Hafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MS-NMPT

CONTACT

+923125299816; hafsahgull_khattak@yahoo.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: Participants will get separate treatment protocols, and possible efforts will be put to mask both groups about the treatment.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 6, 2026
• First Posted: May 15, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)