Effects of Unilateral Complex Training on Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry and Athletic Performance in Basketball Players

NCT07766096 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2026-037
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 29
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study evaluated the effects of an eight-week unilateral complex training program on lower-limb strength, inter-limb strength asymmetry, and athletic performance in male basketball players. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group that performed unilateral complex training in addition to regular basketball training or a control group that continued regular basketball training. Outcomes included isokinetic knee flexor and extensor strength, hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratios, inter-limb strength asymmetry, vertical jump performance, and 20-m sprint performance. The study aimed to determine whether unilateral complex training could improve lower-limb neuromuscular function and athletic performance in basketball players.

Conditions

Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry; Athletic Performance

Keywords

Basketball; Unilateral Complex Training; Isokinetic Strength Inter-Limb Asymmetry; Athletic Performance; Neuromuscular Performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry

  Lower-limb strength asymmetry will be assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque of the knee extensors and flexors will be measured bilaterally at an angular velocity of 60°/s. Inter-limb asymmetry will be calculated from the strength values of the right and left limbs and expressed as a percentage (%). Lower percentage values indicate lower inter-limb strength asymmetry.

  Baseline and after the 6-week intervention

Study Arms (2)

Unilateral Complex Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group performed an eight-week unilateral complex training program twice per week in addition to their regular basketball training. The program combined unilateral resistance exercises with biomechanically similar explosive exercises.

Behavioral: Unilateral Complex Training

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group continued their regular basketball training throughout the eight-week study period and did not perform the additional unilateral complex training intervention.

Interventions

Unilateral Complex Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants completed an eight-week unilateral complex training program in addition to their regular basketball training. Training was performed twice per week, with approximately 48-72 hours between sessions. Each session lasted approximately 45-55 minutes and combined unilateral resistance exercises with biomechanically similar explosive or plyometric exercises. Training load and exercise difficulty were progressively adjusted throughout the intervention period.

Unilateral Complex Training Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 21 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male basketball players who volunteered to participate in the study.
• Having at least 5 years of basketball training experience.
• Participating in regular basketball training at least four times per week during the previous 2 years.
• Being actively involved in regular basketball training and competition.
• Being able to participate in the unilateral complex training and performance testing procedures.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of any musculoskeletal injury or health condition that could affect physical performance or prevent participation in the training program.
• Current injury or medical condition restricting participation in basketball training or performance testing.
• Failure to complete the required training or testing sessions.
• Use of medications or treatments that could substantially affect physical performance, if applicable.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Gaziantep: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Gaziantep, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving unilateral complex training in addition to regular basketball training or a control group continuing regular basketball training.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 10, 2026
• First Posted: August 14, 2026
• Study Start: May 10, 2026
• Primary Completion: July 6, 2026
• Study Completion: July 7, 2026
• Last Updated: August 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)