Clinical trial NCT06781268: Life Kinetic Training Enhances Physical and Cognitive Skills in Young Fencers
Official title: Impact of Life Kinetic Training on Balance, Agility, Jumping, Proprioception, and Cognitive Function in Preadolescent Recreational Fencing Athletes: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Healthy
Keywords: Children
Life kinetic
Motor skills
Exercise
Physical fitness
Lead sponsor: Hellenic Naval Academy
Sponsor class: OTHER
Collaborators: name: Democritus University of Thrace
First posted: 2025-01-17
Enrollment: 22
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 10
Maximum age (years): 12
Standard ages: CHILD
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Brief summary: The purpose of this study was to examine whether Life Kinetic (LK) exercises could improve balance, agility, jumping performance, proprioception, and cognitive functions in recreationally active preadolescents participating in fencing. It specifically aimed to answer if LK training would lead to significant enhancements in these physical and cognitive attributes compared to a control group.

Detailed description: This study evaluated the effects of Life Kinetic (LK) training on balance, agility, jumping performance, proprioception, and cognitive functions in preadolescent recreational fencers. A total of 22 participants, aged 11.6 ± 1.2 years, were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which performed LK exercises twice weekly for eight weeks, or the control group, which continued their regular fencing activities. The LK exercises combined physical and cognitive tasks to stimulate neuroplasticity and improve overall athletic and mental performance. Key metrics included agility, vertical jump, star balance, Stroop test, and proprioception assessments.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Preadolescents aged between 10 and 12 years. Recreationally active in fencing and registered with the same athletic club. Healthy participants with no chronic illnesses, musculoskeletal injuries, or physical limitations in the last six months.

No use of medication within six months prior to the study. Written informed consent provided by the participants and their parents or guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of chronic illnesses or conditions that could interfere with physical activity (e.g., asthma, cardiovascular issues).

Any injury or physical limitation in the last six months that could impact performance.

Use of medication that could affect physical or cognitive performance within six months before the study.

Participants outside the specified age range (10-12 years). Lack of parental or participant consent.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Counter Movement Jump Measurement
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Stroop Color and Word Test
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Agility T-test
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Proprioception Test
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Y Balance Test
timeFrame: 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Body weight
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Body height
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Leg length
timeFrame: 8 weeks
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Athens
country: Greece
facility: Hellenic Naval Academy
Study officials:
References: