Eight-week Sports Injury Prevention Program

This study will evaluate whether an 8-week sports injury prevention program can improve injury-related knowledge and lower-body performance in female college athletes. Sports participation among women in Saudi Arabia has increased in recent years, but female athletes often use injury-prevention programs originally designed for men. Because women have different physical and biomechanical characteristics, they may face a higher risk of sports injuries. This study aims to address this gap by testing a program tailored to their needs. Participants will attend supervised injury-prevention sessions for eight weeks. Each session includes: Warm-up drills (jogging, shuttle runs, backward running) Stretching for major lower-body muscles Strength training such as lunges and hamstring exercises Plyometric drills (jumping and bounding) Balance exercises on one leg Agility drills such as directional running Cool-down stretching and core exercises This type of program is commonly used to reduce lower-limb injuries by improving strength, stability, coordination, and movement control. How participation will be assessed Before starting the program and again after the eight weeks, participants will complete several tests that measure: Jumping power Agility during multi-directional movement Balance while reaching in different directions These tests are widely used in sports medicine and have high reliability. They help identify injury risk and measure improvements in physical performance. Why this study is important The results will show whether a structured injury-prevention program can help female athletes: Improve movement quality Enhance lower-body strength, balance, and agility Increase awareness of sports-injury risks Potentially reduce the likelihood of future injuries This research may support the development of safer and more effective training strategies for female athletes in Saudi Arabia as sports opportunities continue to expand.