Can hamstring curls get footballers back on the pitch faster?
NCT ID NCT07115316
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study looks at whether adding eccentric hamstring contractions (like Nordic curls) to standard physiotherapy can improve sports performance and quality of life in young male football players with a mild, non-contact ACL injury. About 180 players aged 19-25 from the UAE will be randomly assigned to either the special hamstring program or standard physiotherapy. The main goal is to see if they can jump higher after treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- eccentric hamstring contractions and physiotherapy exercises
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a better rehabilitation program for young athletes with mild ACL injuries, helping them return to sport faster and with less risk of re-injury.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 180 participants, all young male football players in the UAE, so results may not apply to other groups. The exercises are non-invasive but may not outperform standard physiotherapy.
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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180 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Finished
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May 2026
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
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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19 to 25 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * physician-diagnosed non-contact acute grade 1 ACL injury within the past 6 weeks will be invited from the selected clubs for participation in the trial. Participants who can perform full Range of Motion in the injured knee without pain will be included. Male football players between age 19-25 years old, currently playing in UAE, who speak English language and with physician-diagnosed non-contact grade 1 ACL injury will be included in the trial. Exclusion Criteria: * • Players with contact ACL injuries. * Players with chronic grade 1 ACL Injuries. * If pain and swelling are severe and occur within 24 hours after exercise, will be excluded from the study. * Grade 2 and above ACL injuries. * Female players. * Players aged below 18 years or above 25 years. * Players with a history of surgery on the same knee. * Players with injuries to the menisci or other ligaments. * Players who do not speak English. * Players who refuse to provide written informed consent to participate in the trial. * Players currently enrolled in other formal rehabilitation programs.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Emirates Health services
Ras al-Khaimah, Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, 0000, United Arab Emirates