Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of simple core muscle training (CMT) program on trunk muscle strength and neuromuscular control among pediatric athletes.MethodsForty-nine male soccer players (mean age, 10.8 years) participated. The CMT program had three components (bench, side bench, and Nordic hamstrings) and was performed at least three times weekly for a year. Trunk flexion/extension muscle strength and the K/H ratio (determined by dividing knee separation distance by hip separation distance during drop-jump test and used as an index of lower limb valgus alignment) were measured, and the Y balance test (YBT) was performed before and after intervention. This study did not include the pure control group among the same team. To consider the effect of CMT on trunk muscle strength due to physical growth, we used the data of trunk muscle strength from the local cohort study previously conducted in our institution. One hundred participants who matched the age, height, body weight, and body mass index of the training group was designated as a control group.ResultsIn the training group, the trunk flexion/extension strength significantly increased at 6 months (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and 12 months (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) compared to initial value. The K/H ratio at initial contact and maximum knee flexion phase significantly increased at 6 months (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively); however, it did not increase at 12 months (p = 0.384 and p = 0.070, respectively) compared to the initial value. In the YBT, the maximized reach distance in each direction significantly increased after intervention on both the dominant and non-dominant sides, except in the posteromedial direction on the non-dominant foot. Compared to the control group, although there was no significant difference in trunk flexion/extension strength at baseline (p = 0.141 and p = 0.390, respectively), the training group showed significantly higher trunk flexion/extension muscle strength at 12 months (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThe CMT program increased trunk muscle strength and improved dynamic balance among pediatric male athletes.Level of evidenceLevel II
Highlights
The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the pediatric population has increased by 2.3% over the last 20 years [2]
This study primarily aimed to evaluate the effects of a simple core muscle training (CMT) program on trunk muscle strength and neuromuscular control among pediatric soccer players over time
We confirmed that all participants could continue the CMT program at least three times a week during intervention period by detailed supervising and hearing from the coaching staff
Summary
The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the pediatric population has increased by 2.3% over the last 20 years [2]. It was reported that very few injuries were found in patients < 10 years old; the incidence of ACL injury extremely increased at age 10–14 years [12]. Immature athletes demonstrate risky movement patterns such as dynamic knee valgus and decreased knee flexion during vertical and lateral jump landings [15, 33]. ACL reconstruction for skeletally immature patients has a risk of postoperative growth disturbance or residual deformity [3, 5]. A recent systematic review concluded that ACL injury prevention programs have a significant protective effect [18]. For successful interventions in this age group, an efficient program that demonstrates high compliance in this age group should be developed [20]
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