Which hamstring workout best prevents injuries in pro footballers?
NCT ID NCT07395583
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests three types of hamstring exercises—eccentric, concentric, and a mix of both—to see which best prevents non-contact hamstring injuries in elite male footballers. 275 players aged 18-30 from the UAE will do one of the exercise programs or just their usual training for 12 weeks, then be followed for a year. The goal is to find the most effective way to keep players on the field and reduce injury recurrence.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Eccentric, concentric, or combined hamstring strengthening exercises
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could identify the most effective exercise type to prevent hamstring injuries in elite footballers, reducing time lost to injury and improving performance.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial (275 participants) in a specific population (elite male footballers in the UAE), so results may not apply broadly. The exercises require proper technique to avoid injury, and the study is not yet recruiting, so outcomes are uncertain.
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 275 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Feb 2026
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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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18 to 30 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- 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: * Players without any recent hamstring injuries (within the last 6 months) from certain clubs will be asked to join the trial. * The trial will include young male professional football players aged 18-30 from the UAE who are citizens or permanent residents, English speaking, with no hamstring injuries in the last six months. * Participants must have at least one year of experience playing football and be interested in participating in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Players who have had hamstring injuries within the last 6 months, women, individuals under 18 and over 30 years old will be disqualified. * Individuals who have any restrictions in exercising the knee, have undergone prior surgery on their hamstring, or decline to give written informed consent for the study are not eligible. * Furthermore, we will not include player who are currently enrolled in other official 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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Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine Center
Ras al-Khaimah, Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates