Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training Program In Young Athletes Suffering From Lower Lateral Ankle Ligament Injury

Abstract

The perception and execution of musculoskeletal control and movement are mediated primarily by the central nervous system and involve the integration of 3 main subsystems: somatosensory, vestibular, and visual. Balance performance and its measurement are influenced by these subsystems.This present study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of, neuromuscular controlled training exercises comprising bosu-ball balance training and conventional physiotherapy exercise training protocols on the level of stability, balance and proprioception in the athletes, diagnosed with lateral ligament injury of ankle joint. The Y Balance test was used as a reliable and valid tool for quantitative balance assessment. Thirteen players (aged between 19 to 26 years, Mean age = 23.2; SD = 2.46) suffering from grade II & grade III lateral ligament injury were recruited from the OPD of the department of Orthopaedics, of the Hosptial of Universiti Sains Malaysia.All of the participants were subjected to pre-intervention or baseline assessments, comprising of Y-balance test and assessment of proprioception employing Biodex 4 Isokinetic Equipment. Thereafter participants were introduced with neuromuscular controlled training program, which was imparted for 12 sessions (30 min/day; 2 days/wk. for 6 wk.). Findings of the study revealed that 6 weeks of neuromuscular exercises training significantly improved the balance and some significant aspects of proprioception observed amongst the young athletes diagnosed with ankle lateral ligament injury.