Abstract
Although neuromuscular training (NMT) emphasizes injury prevention training, there is little information about its effects on performance in young athletes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight-weeks NMT on motor competence and physical performance in 10- to 12-year-old female volleyball players. Sixty-six participants (mean ± SD; 11.05 ± 0.72 years) were randomized into either the NMT group (NTG; n = 32) or control group (CON; n = 34). Sprint on 10-m, modified T-test, plank, vertical jump, and medicine ball throw tests were used to assess the physical performance. The Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) was used to assess the subjects’ motor competence. The NMT was performed twice a week during the first 30 min of each regularly scheduled 90-minute volleyball training. Participants in the CON group attended only their regular volleyball training. A significant group x time interaction was found for Motor Quotient KTK (MQKTK) (p < 0.001), KTK lateral jumps (p < 0.001), and KTK shifting platforms (p < 0.01). There was a significant interaction for modified T-test results (p < 0.001) and vertical jump (p = 0.04). No change was observed in both groups for plank performance (p > 0.05). The NMT promoted significant gains in motor competence and physical performance in youth female volleyball players.
Highlights
Motor competence reflects the degree of proficient performance in various motor skills and is essential for developing an active and healthy lifestyle [1]
The main findings of the study were that the eight-week neuromuscular training (NMT) intervention significantly improved Motor Quotient KTK (MQKTK), Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) single-lever jumps, KTK lateral jumps, and KTK transfer on platforms compared to the control group
We demonstrated that neuromuscular training improved KTK results, and to the best of our knowledge, until now, no published articles have examined the effects of this type of training on motor competence of youth female volleyball players
Summary
Motor competence reflects the degree of proficient performance in various motor skills and is essential for developing an active and healthy lifestyle [1]. Low motor competence can lead to risks for a mixture of behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties [3]. It significantly impacts the willingness of participation in physical activity and overall performance in different sports [4]. The physical performance plays an essential role, since the actions in this sport include a variety of changes of direction in sagittal and frontal planes, frequent sprints, and different types of jumps [7,8]. Besides the importance of physical performance, volleyball can be considered a skill-based and complex game, which requires well-developed motor coordination levels [10]. The importance of effective motor behavior optimization and decision-making in different
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