Eccentric Versus Isometric Calf Training in Cricket Players

NCT07846605 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/08/415
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 28
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare the effect of isometric exercises and eccentric exercises on calf muscles in cricketers. The exercises will be evaluated for the effectiveness of calf muscle strength, power, and sprinting of the player and enhancing their performance.

Conditions

Strength Endurance; Power; Sprint Performance

Keywords

calf muscle, eccentric training, isometric training, sprint performance, cricket, plantar flexors

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change in calf muscle strength

  estimated 1RM via Brzycki formula, submaximal unilateral calf raise

  Baseline (Week 0) and Week 4

• Change in explosive power

  standing long jump distance, cm

  Baseline (Week 0) and Week 4

• Change in sprint performance

  10 m and 30 m sprint time, via My Sprint app

  Baseline (Week 0) and Week 4

Study Arms (2)

Group A - Isometric Training

EXPERIMENTAL

4-week progressive isometric calf-hold program at 90° (soleus) and 70° plantarflexion (gastrocnemius) angles, 3 sessions/week, intensity increasing from 60% to 80% MVIC

Other: Isometric Training

Group B - Eccentric Training

EXPERIMENTAL

4-week progressive eccentric calf-raise program in knee-extended and knee-flexed positions, 3 sessions/week, reps and added load increasing weekly

Other: Eccentric Training

Interventions

Isometric Training OTHER

4-week progressive isometric calf-hold program at 90° (soleus) and 70° plantarflexion (gastrocnemius) angles, 3 sessions/week, intensity increasing from 60% to 80% MVIC

Group A - Isometric Training

Eccentric Training OTHER

: 4-week progressive eccentric calf-raise program in knee-extended and knee-flexed positions, 3 sessions/week, reps and added load increasing weekly

Group B - Eccentric Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: male 18 years to 35 years
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• In a male cricket player at club/provincial/national level; currently training ≥3 sessions/week (≥45 min each); aged 18-35; able to perform a unilateral calf raise pain-free; able to commit to the full 4-week program and both testing sessions.

You may not qualify if:

• \- Lower-limb injury in the past 3 months; any history of lower-limb surgery; neurological/vestibular/balance disorder; cardiovascular or metabolic condition contraindicating resistance training; concurrent plyometric/isometric/eccentric or sprint-specific program; use of ankle/knee bracing, orthotics, or heel lifts; use of anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing substances; current lower-limb pain or discomfort.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ibadat International University, Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Diamond Cricket Club, Islamabad, Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan

Location

Study Officials

• Dr Muhammad Ashar, PhD scholar

  ibadat international university

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

AbdulRehman noor, masters in physiotherapy

CONTACT

03313333733; abody85220@gmail.com

Study Design

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

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 23, 2026
• First Posted: September 29, 2026
• Study Start: September 10, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 10, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 10, 2028
• Last Updated: September 29, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)