The Effects of 8 Weeks of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Training on Core Stability and Pelvic Alignment in Professional Male Rock Climbers

The effect of an 8-week Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training program on core stability and pelvic alignment in male professional rock climbers with lumbar hyperlordosis and anterior pelvic tilt.

The study is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a parallel-group design and double blinding (participants and assessor). Thirty eligible participants will be randomly allocated via simple randomization (lottery method) into experimental and control groups (n = 15 per group). Given the non-pharmacological nature of the intervention, trial phases are not applicable.

This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at the Amin-ol-Sani Takhti Rock Climbing Hall in Neyshabour. The intervention group will follow a structured training program, while the control group will continue their usual training routine. Outcome variables will be assessed at pre-test and post-test. Participants and the assessor will be blinded to group allocation to minimize measurement bias.

The study will include 30 male professional rock climbers aged 15–20 years with at least 4 years of regular training (≥3 sessions/week), diagnosed with lumbar hyperlordosis and anterior pelvic tilt. Participants with recent musculoskeletal injury (≤6 months), spinal injury history, use of neuromuscular-affecting medication, or poor compliance will be excluded.

The experimental group will participate in an 8-week Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training program, consisting of 3 sessions per week, each lasting 50–60 minutes. The control group will receive no intervention during the study period and will continue their usual activities and training routines.

Core stability of the trunk; pelvic alignment in the sagittal plane; pelvic alignment in the frontal plane

Following the selection of eligible participants based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the completion of informed consent forms, individuals will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group using simple randomization. For randomization purposes, each participant will be assigned a unique code, and the codes will be placed in identical and indistinguishable balls. Subsequently, through a lottery procedure, participants will be randomly allocated to either the control or experimental group. This method will be used to minimize selection bias and to ensure an equal probability of assignment to each study group.

During the introductory session and prior to allocation of participants to the experimental and control groups, the researcher will explain the general overview of the study, its objectives, and the experimental procedures to the participants. Due to the nature of the exercise-based intervention, blinding of both participants and the researcher will not be feasible. However, following the random allocation process, participants will be informed of their assignment to either the experimental or control group. All pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted by an independent evaluator holding a Master’s degree in Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, who will remain blinded to group allocation (experimental or control). To ensure consistency of the assessment procedures, several pilot assessments will be conducted by both the researcher and the independent evaluator on the study variables prior to the commencement of the main study.

Individual participant data, after anonymization (removal of identifying information), including baseline characteristics, administered interventions, and primary outcome measures, will be made available for sharing. In addition, if required, only data related to the primary outcomes and statistical analysis files will be provided to researchers. Access to the data will be granted after completion of the study and publication of the results, upon reasonable request to the principal investigator.

Access to the study data and documentation will begin after the completion of the study and publication of the results. The data access period will start 6 months after publication of the article/results and will continue for a minimum of 2 years. During this period, anonymized data will be made available to researchers upon reasonable request.

Study data will be made available to researchers and investigators active in academic and scientific fields. In addition, researchers affiliated with recognized research institutions or relevant organizations (including academic or sports institutions) may request access to the anonymized dataset by submitting a reasonable request with a clearly defined research purpose. The use of the data will be strictly limited to scientific and research purposes only.

In addition to the eligibility criteria for applicants, access to the study data and documentation will be subject to the following conditions: Submission of a formal request including a clearly defined research objective and a proposed analysis plan. Use of the data strictly for scientific, academic, and non-commercial purposes. Analyses must be conducted strictly within the scope of the approved objectives, and no analyses outside the approved scope are permitted. No attempt to re-identify study participants at any stage of data use. Maintenance of data confidentiality and prohibition of sharing data with third parties without prior written permission. Use of the data only for statistical analyses and research purposes relevant to the study objectives (e.g., descriptive, inferential, or secondary analyses aligned with the study aim). Adherence to ethical research principles and proper citation of the data source in any resulting publications. Use of study documents (e.g., protocol, analysis files) strictly for scientific reproducibility and methodological review purposes of the data source in any resulting publications. Use of study documents (e.g., protocol, analysis files) strictly for scientific reproducibility and methodological review purposes.

Applicants seeking access to the study data and documentation should, in the first instance, contact the principal investigator of the study. Requests must be submitted in writing and include a description of the research purpose. If necessary, communication may also be made via the official email of the principal investigator provided below: Email: hanierasouli2001@gmail.com Contact information: Principal Investigator: Hanie Sadat Rasouli Institutional Email: hanierasouli@sun.hsu.ac.ir Phone number: +98 915 207 0440 Requests will be reviewed by the principal investigator, and will be accepted subject to approval and fulfillment of the required conditions.

The review and provision of access to study data and documentation will follow a stepwise process: Submission of request: The applicant must submit a written request to the principal investigator. The request should include the research objective, intended analyses, and required data. Initial screening: The principal investigator reviews the request for completeness, scientific relevance, and compliance with ethical principles and data confidentiality requirements. Evaluation and approval: If necessary, the request is further assessed in terms of alignment with study objectives, feasibility of the proposed analyses, and data protection considerations. Additional information may be requested from the applicant. Decision and agreement: If the request is approved, a data use agreement may be established outlining access conditions, usage restrictions, and confidentiality obligations. Data preparation and delivery: Anonymized datasets and/or relevant study documents are prepared and securely transferred to the approved applicant. Estimated timeline: The entire process, from submission of the request to data access, typically takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks. This duration may vary depending on the complexity of the request and the need for clarification or additional information. Final access will only be granted after approval by the principal investigator and completion of all required requirements Anonymized datasets and/or relevant study documents are prepared and securely transferred to the approved applicant. Estimated timeline: The entire process, from submission of the request to data delivery, typically takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the request and the need for clarification or additional information. Final access will only be granted after approval by the principal investigator and completion of any required agreements.