Smart training schedules could cut youth football injuries — a trial puts the idea to the test
NCT ID NCT07727382
First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a structured load management program can lower the rate of time-loss injuries in elite youth football players aged 13 to 19. The program uses the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) to guide training intensity and recovery, with real-time feedback and coach education. Over 800 athletes from Chinese U15, U17, and U19 teams will be randomly assigned to either the ACWR-guided program or their usual training routine for one season. The goal is to see if this approach can prevent injuries that keep players off the field.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a structured load management program using the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) to guide training adjustments
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this approach could offer a practical way to reduce time-loss injuries in young athletes, potentially improving long-term player health and performance.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single trial in a specific population (Chinese elite youth footballers), and results may not apply to other sports or age groups. The intervention requires consistent monitoring and coach compliance, which may be challenging.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 847 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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13 to 19 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 13-19 years Member of a participating U15, U17, or U19 team No injury precluding full participation at enrolment Provided written informed consent (parental consent for minors) Exclusion Criteria: * Injury precluding full participation at enrolment Failure to provide informed consent Age outside 13-19 years
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
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