Effect of modified progressive Copenhagen exercise versus sliding hip exercise in adjunct to conventional physiotherapy on strength, core stability and agility in futsal athletes: a study protocol for randomised controlled trial

Futsal, a high-intensity sport, places considerable demands on the hip adductors and core musculature, often resulting in strength deficits and reduced agility. Optimising training strategies to prevent injury and enhance performance is a growing area of interest. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the modified progressive Copenhagen exercise versus sliding hip exercise in adjuncts to conventional physiotherapy in improving strength, core stability and agility in futsal athletes. A parallel, three-arm, randomised controlled trial was conducted over a period of 8 weeks. Participants will be enrolled from four centres. 39 futsal athletes were randomly allocated into three groups via a 1:1:1 allocation. Primary outcome measures included isometric hip adductor strength via handheld dynamometer, core stability assessed via sphygmomanometer and agility performance measured using the agility t-test and secondary outcome measures included isometric hip abductor strength measured by the single-leg squat test. Assessments were conducted pre- and postintervention. The final analysis will include dropouts and treatment side effects. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee, Ref. No. DMIHER(DU)/ie,C/2025/610. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences. Trial registration number: CTRI/2025/04/084525.