Overview
This study aims to find out whether an 8-week sports injury prevention program can improve lower-body performance-such as power, agility, and balance-among female college athletes in Saudi Arabia.
Sports participation has increased among women in Saudi Arabia, but many injury-prevention programs were originally designed for male athletes and may not meet the specific needs of females. This study will help determine whether a tailored program can reduce injury risks and improve athletic performance.
Female athletes aged 18-35 years who have been training and competing for at least one year can participate. Athletes with recent injuries, pregnancy, or chronic medical conditions that could affect performance will not be included.
Participants will complete tests before and after the program, including jumping, balance, and agility assessments. The prevention program includes warm-up exercises, stretching, strengthening, jumping drills, balance work, and agility training.
By comparing results before and after the program, the study will show whether this type of training can help female athletes stay safer and perform better.
Description
This study will evaluate whether an 8-week sports injury prevention program can improve injury-related knowledge and lower-body performance in female college athletes. Sports participation among women in Saudi Arabia has increased in recent years, but female athletes often use injury-prevention programs originally designed for men. Because women have different physical and biomechanical characteristics, they may face a higher risk of sports injuries. This study aims to address this gap by testing a program tailored to their needs.
Participants will attend supervised injury-prevention sessions for eight weeks. Each session includes:
Warm-up drills (jogging, shuttle runs, backward running)
Stretching for major lower-body muscles
Strength training such as lunges and hamstring exercises
Plyometric drills (jumping and bounding)
Balance exercises on one leg
Agility drills such as directional running
Cool-down stretching and core exercises
This type of program is commonly used to reduce lower-limb injuries by improving strength, stability, coordination, and movement control.
How participation will be assessed
Before starting the program and again after the eight weeks, participants will complete several tests that measure:
Jumping power
Agility during multi-directional movement
Balance while reaching in different directions
These tests are widely used in sports medicine and have high reliability. They help identify injury risk and measure improvements in physical performance.
Why this study is important
The results will show whether a structured injury-prevention program can help female athletes:
Improve movement quality
Enhance lower-body strength, balance, and agility
Increase awareness of sports-injury risks
Potentially reduce the likelihood of future injuries
This research may support the development of safer and more effective training strategies for female athletes in Saudi Arabia as sports opportunities continue to expand.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female athletes aged 18-35 years
- Actively participating in organized sports in Saudi Arabia
- Minimum of one year of continuous experience in their sport
- Currently engaged in regular training and/or competition
- Able to perform physical activity safely as confirmed by self-report
- Willing to provide informed consent and complete all study assessments
Exclusion Criteria:
- Any recent injury within the past six months that limits performance
- Pregnancy at the time of enrollment
- Diagnosis of a chronic medical condition that may affect performance (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension)
- Any condition that could interfere with safe participation in physical testing or training
- Refusal or inability to provide informed consent