Integrative Neuromuscular Training in Young Athletes, Injury Prevention, and Performance Optimization: A Systematic Review

Sañudo Sañudo,Taiar Taiar,Núñez Núñez,Bernardo-Filho Bernardo-Filho,Sánchez-Hernández Sánchez-Hernández,Abdi Abdi

doi:10.3390/app9183839

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence by assessing the effectiveness of integrative neuromuscular training programs in injury prevention and sports performance in young athletes. Different data sources were analyzed up to January 2018. Eligible studies contained information on population (young athletes), intervention (neuromuscular training), comparator (control group or another exercise intervention), outcomes (injury prevention or sport performance), and study design (randomized trials or prospective studies). The trials were restricted based on the language (English) and for publication date (after January 1st, 2007). Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included: Seven included dynamic stability-related outcomes. Three assessed the coordination performing fundamental movements and sport-specific skills, while other five studies analyzed muscle strength and two assessed plyometric tests. Agility was evaluated in three studies and speed tests were also considered by four studies. Finally, fatigue resistance in three studies and injury risk in four were assessed. This review provides evidence that integrative neuromuscular training programs can enhance performance and injury prevention in young athletes, taken into account that adherence to the training program is adequate. Collectively, well-designed, randomized studies are necessary to collaborate with the present findings.

Highlights

Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) is defined as a training program aimed to enhance physical fitness and prevent the aggregation of the neuromuscular deficits, along with the improvements of the motor competence, especially in youth with a lower level of motor skills [1]
The studies including two or more components of INT in the training program, which were compared to a control group were considered
The study considered that focus on coordination, agility, dynamic stability, and strength is more significant in early stages, which aim to improve the movement techniques at a controlled speed

Summary

Introduction

Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) is defined as a training program aimed to enhance physical fitness and prevent the aggregation of the neuromuscular deficits, along with the improvements of the motor competence, especially in youth with a lower level of motor skills [1] This type of training in sync with the improved sports-related movement skills could have an impact on injury prevention [2]. Recent literature has displayed that the absence of this training’s type before or during the adolescence can lead to imbalances and incorrect movement patterns This fact might be associated with a greater injury risk [3,4,5], especially in young female athletes [6] and in those sports involving a high number of landings or change of direction maneuvers, such as football or. The injuries could even lead to a cessation of the practice due to fear of recurrence [8], with consequent effect on their careers as athletes [9,10]

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