Effects Of Neuromuscular Training Program Research Articles

Effects of a neuromuscular training program on physical performance and asymmetries in female soccer.

Introduction: Women's football require optimal neuromuscular system development for injury prevention and performance optimization. Standardized neuromuscular training programs have shown promising results in reducing injuries and functional asymmetries, but evidence on their impact on performance is limited. Methods: This research examined the effects of a 10-week neuromuscular training program on physical performance and asymmetries in female football players. Thirty-eight female players from two Spanish Second Division women's football teams participated in the study. The physical performance tests used were: ankle dorsiflexion, bilateral and unilateral horizontal jump, bilateral and unilateral vertical countermovement jump, 40m sprint including partial times at 10, 20 and 30m and the 505 test for change of direction evaluation. For 10weeks, players in the experimental group performed three weekly 24-min neuromuscular training sessions. Participants in the control group completed their normal 24-min strength and conditioning program. Results: The main results were that maximal linear velocity and change of direction skills showed the most notable improvements [effect size (ES), 0.46 to 0.59] after implementation of the training program, ankle dorsiflexion and jumping skills, also improved although, to a lesser extent (ES, <0.35) while asymmetries between limbs were reduced. Maximal running speed improved in the intervention group (p < 0.001) with a mean ES -0.59. Discussion: We conclude that a 10-week neuromuscular training program can be a sufficient stimulus to improve football-specific performance variables in high-level female football players. Therefore, female players and coaches should be aware that weekly inclusion of strength, power and dynamic balance exercises following a neuromuscular paradigm is helpful for football-specific performance improvement.

Examining the Influence of Attentional Focus on the Effects of a Neuromuscular Training Program in Male Athletes.

Ghanati, HA, Letafatkar, A, Almonroeder, TG, and Rabiei, P. Examining the influence of attentional focus on the effects of a neuromuscular training program in male athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1568-1575, 2022-Neuromuscular training programs that incorporate lower extremity strengthening, plyometric exercises, balance training, and movement retraining are recommended for anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention; however, there is a need to improve their effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to examine how athletes' attentional focus during training influences the effects of an 8-week neuromuscular training program on hip strength, single-leg landing mechanics, and hop performance. Sixty-six male athletes were randomly allocated to a group that trained with an internal focus, a group that trained with an external focus, or a control group. All athletes completed testing before (baseline) and after (posttesting) the 8-week period. Isokinetic hip strength, hip and knee kinematics and ground reaction forces during landing, and hop distance were examined as part of this study. Analysis of covariance was used to compare posttesting outcomes among the groups while accounting for group differences in baseline performance. The neuromuscular training program resulted in improved hip abduction strength, reduced hip adduction and internal rotation motion during landing, and increased hop distance for athletes who trained with an external focus. However, the program did not seem to influence hip strength, landing kinematics, or hop performance for athletes who trained with an internal focus. Our findings indicate that male athletes may benefit from completing a neuromuscular training program with an external focus vs. an internal focus. Trainers, coaches, and clinicians should consider using instructions that promote an external focus when implementing neuromuscular training programs with male athletes.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Motoric and Selected Basketball Skills in Pre-pubescent Basketball Players

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8 weeks neuromuscular training program (NTP) on motoric and selected basketball skills in pre-pubescent male basketball players. Twenty-four male basketball players were divided into two homogeneous groups according to pre-test results; an intervention group (n = 12, age = 10.6 ± 0.75 years) and a control group (n = 12, age = 10.8 ± 0.68 years). All players trained together as a team; however, the intervention group participated in an 8 weeks NTP two times per week, while the control group followed their regular basketball training system as guided by their coach. Motoric skills were assessed according to the results of an agility t-test, 20 meters sprint, and tests of back strength, vertical jump, standing long jump, sit and reach, and standing stork balance. Basketball skills were assessed according to shooting and dribbling tests. Significant differences were found only in vertical jump and flexibility in the control group (p<0.05), whereas significant differences were found in all motoric and shooting skills in the intervention group (p<0.05). In addition, according to pre-test and post-test analysis of variance (ANOVA) results of the motoric and basketball skill scores of the groups, significant differences revealed in favor of the intervention group in agility, back strength, long jump, flexibility, and balance (p<0.05). The present study demonstrated the significant effects of NTP, which focused on motoric and shooting skills in pre-pubescent male basketball players.

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

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 &amp; 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.

Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training Program in Young Athletes Suffering from Lower Lateral Ankle Ligament Injury

Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training Program in Young Athletes Suffering from Lower Lateral Ankle Ligament Injury

Prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review.

A number of reports have been published on the effectiveness and design of intervention programs for the prevention of rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in female athletes. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine the effectiveness of neuromuscular training programs in preventing ACL injury in female athletes. A systematic review was performed with use of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The search terms included "anterior cruciate ligament" and "ACL" combined with "prevention" and "intervention." The searches included material indexed by September 30, 2013. Data concerning study design, the characteristics of participants, the details of the neuromuscular programs, the types of sports, and number of ACL ruptures were extracted from the studies. Study heterogeneity was assessed with funnel plot and Egger regression methods. Pooled effects were calculated with use of a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. The number needed to treat was calculated on the basis of pooled incidence data. The risk of ACL rupture was 1.83 times higher for female athletes who did not participate in neuromuscular ACL-prevention training programs (odds ratio [OR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.08 to 3.10; p = 0.02). In studies that focused exclusively on soccer, the risk of ACL rupture was 2.62 times higher for nonparticipating athletes (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.59 to 4.32; p < 0.01). When the data were analyzed according to the timing of the intervention, no significant effects were found. In studies in which the program took place both preseason and in-season, the risk (odds ratio) of ACL rupture for nonparticipating athletes was 2.34 (95% CI, 0.82 to 6.7; p = 0.11). In studies in which the intervention took place in-season only, the risk (odds ratio) of ACL rupture for nonparticipating athletes was 1.25 (95% CI, 0.23 to 6.75; p = 0.8). The number needed to treat to prevent a single ACL rupture was 128.7 athletes. We found no significant heterogeneity among the included studies. The I value was 35.40% (p = 0.11). No significant publication bias was found in our included studies. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis favor a protective effect of neuromuscular training programs on the risk of ACL rupture in female athletes. This protective effect is more pronounced in soccer players. Additional research is needed to design the optimal training program. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training Programs in Reducing the Incidence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Athletes

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are more common in female athletes because of anatomic and biomechanical factors. These injuries can have detrimental ramifications for the athlete and the health care system. Neuromuscular training programs have been designed to modify risk factors and prevent ACL injuries. Purpose: This systematic review evaluates studies that assess the effectiveness of neuromuscular training programs in reducing ACL injuries in female athletes and provides an update to 2 previously published reviews. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: Medline, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant journal articles published from 1995 to 2011. We performed a manual review of relevant articles, authors, and journals, including bibliographies from identified articles. Ten studies were included in this review. Results: Only 2 studies demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in ACL injuries with neuromuscular training programs. Two additional studies showed a statistically significant decrease in subgroup analyses only. Four studies did show a trend toward reduced ACL injuries with neuromuscular training programs but were unable to achieve statistical significance. Neuromuscular training programs utilizing plyometric exercises and a preseason component were the most beneficial. Two studies actually showed an increase in injuries with intervention programs. Conclusion: Neuromuscular training programs may be a useful adjunct to training, but current literature precludes our universal recommendation of them.