Soccer stars get a spine boost: simple exercises could change the game
NCT ID NCT07253415
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether adding specific exercises for the upper back (thoracic spine) to regular soccer training could improve spinal alignment and mobility in professional male soccer players. Forty-two players took part, with one group doing the extra exercises three days a week for six weeks. The researchers measured posture and movement using a non-invasive device. The goal was to see if these exercises could help players move better and possibly prevent injuries.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Thoracic spine exercise program
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that simple spine exercises improve posture and movement in soccer players, potentially reducing injury risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 42 players, so results may not apply to all athletes. It does not test long-term benefits or injury prevention directly.
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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42 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Finished
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Aug 2024
- 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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18 years and older
- 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: * Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study * Individuals who regularly attend team training sessions within their club Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who have experienced any sports-related injury within the past 3 months. * Individuals with conditions that may negatively affect balance or coordination. * Individuals with musculoskeletal deformities affecting the upper or lower extremities. * Individuals participating in training programs outside of regular team practices. * Individuals with a history of spinal surgery, spinal root compression, thoracic pain or tenderness, spinal cord tumors, or spinal trauma. * Individuals who have experienced trauma to the spinal region within the past 6 months.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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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Altınordu Football Club - Metin Oktay Training Facilities
Izmir, Torbalı, 35860, Turkey (Türkiye)
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