Utilizing a Trunk Control Strategy versus Standard Hip-Focused Exercises: Effects on Lower Extremity Kinematics in a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries can have devastating consequences, including long rehabilitation periods and high costs. Despite advances in rehabilitation, long-term outcomes remain poor. This study explores using a trunk control exercise strategy aimed at controlling kinematic variables that are key risk factors for ACL injuries.

Methods: A prospective pilot randomized controlled superiority trial. Baseline included 30 healthy female participants. Outcome measures included 2D video analysis, single leg squat/ drop jump landing testing, and peak isometric/isokinetic torque of hip muscles. Data were tested for normality; parametric tests were used as appropriate. Thirty recreationally active females participated in the study. Fifteen participants attended eighteen sessions over six weeks and performed either trunk control or basic hip exercises.

Results: All participants (30/30) successfully completed the training interventions. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the experimental group and control group. Running analysis revealed mostly negligible effect size differences in joint angles between groups, with minor trends favoring the EG for several lower extremity kinematics. Single-leg squat (SLS) performances favored the control group, whereas the vertical drop jump (DVJ) favored the experimental group. Isometric and isokinetic strength tests favored the experimental group, particularly for hip external rotation. However, local and summated joint angle analysis revealed a moderate effect for the EG in the dominant right lower extremity during the single leg drop vertical jump.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that task-specific neuromuscular control during single leg landing maneuvers can be influenced by targeted trunk-control exercises, with potential implications for ACL injury prevention programs and rehab.