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Elite Athletes: Trunk Mobility, Lower Extremity Flexibility, and Functional Balance Across Sports

NCT07326046 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 75

Last updated 2026-01-13

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This cross-sectional observational study investigated the relationships among dynamic Q angle, core muscle endurance, hip flexibility, and lower extremity functional status in elite adolescent athletes with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). A total of 75 track-and-field athletes aged 15-18 years were included, 42 with PFPS and 33 healthy controls. Dynamic Q angle was assessed using a digital goniometric analysis of the step-down test, core endurance was measured with the McGill endurance tests, flexibility was evaluated using the Straight Leg Raise, Modified Thomas, and Ober tests, and functional status was assessed with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).

The study found that athletes with PFPS demonstrated a higher dynamic Q angle, lower core extension and lateral endurance, reduced hip flexor and iliotibial band flexibility, and lower functional scores compared with controls. Regression analyses indicated that hip flexor tightness and functional capacity were significant predictors of the dynamic Q angle in the PFPS group. These findings suggest that PFPS in adolescent athletes is a multidimensional condition influenced by proximal endurance, flexibility, and dynamic alignment rather than isolated knee-level factors.

Conditions

  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
  • Anterior Knee Pain

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Eastern Mediterranean University

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
15 Years
Max Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-03-01
Primary Completion
2025-09-15
Completion
2025-10-16

Countries

  • Cyprus

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07326046 on ClinicalTrials.gov