Neuromuscular Training Group Research Articles

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Postural Balance and Physical Performance in Older Women: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Aging causes morphological and physiological changes, especially in the musculoskeletal and somatosensory systems, leading to sarcopenia and reduced postural balance, increasing the risk of falls and loss of independence. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a neuromuscular training program on postural balance, physical performance, and muscle strength in older Chilean women. Methods: The double-blind randomized controlled trial included 48 participants aged 65-80 who were divided into three groups: a control group (CG), a multicomponent training group (MCG), and a neuromuscular training group (NMG). Postural balance was assessed using a force platform with open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions, measuring ML velocity, AP velocity, mean radius, and area. Physical performance was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), including static balance, 4-m walking speed, and 5× sit-to-stand chair test. Muscle strength was measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer to record maximum grip force. Results: Significant time × group interactions in the CE condition were found for mean radius (F = 0.984; p = 0.017; ηp2 = 0.184), AP velocity (F = 10.01; p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.312), and ML velocity (F = 4.30; p = 0.027; ηp2 = 0.163). Significant pre-post differences in the NMG for mean radius (p < 0.001), AP velocity (p < 0.001), and ML velocity (p = 0.029) were observed, with no significant changes in CG. Significant time × group interactions were also found in the SPPB test score (F = 11.49; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.343), gait speed (F = 5.513; p = 0.012; ηp2 = 0.198), and sit-to-stand test (F = 5.731; p = 0.010; ηp2 = 0.206), but not in the balance score (F = 2.099; p = 0.148). Handgrip strength showed no significant interactions (F = 3.216; p = 0.061; ηp2 = 0.127). Conclusions: These findings suggest that neuromuscular training is a promising intervention to mitigate the decline in balance and physical function associated with aging, offering a targeted approach to improve the quality of life in the elderly.

A cardiac rehabilitation programme based on neuromuscular training improves the functional capacity of patients with acute coronary syndrome: a preliminary randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of a cardiac rehabilitation programme based on neuromuscular training (NMT) compared with classic rehabilitation strength training (CRST) in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). DesignPreliminary randomised, double-blinded, parallel clinical trial. SettingUniversity health clinic in Valencia, Spain. ParticipantsThirty patients with ACS, InterventionsPatients were assigned to one of two groups at random: the NMT group (n=15) and the CRST group (n=15). All patients attended the 20 sessions of the exercise programme. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT). The secondary outcomes were the Chester Step Test (CST), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST), and hip flexor dynamometry. Assessments were made at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. ResultsThe NMT group showed a greater improvement in the ISWT than the CRST group, both at post-treatment {mean 648 [standard deviation (SD) 197] vs 493 (SD 219), mean difference 155, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1 to 310} and at follow-up [732 (SD 183) vs 518 (SD 222), mean difference 214, 95% CI 61 to 367]. The secondary outcomes showed significant between-group differences in favour of the NMT group at 6-month follow-up, except for the 30CST. ConclusionsThese preliminary findings indicate that a cardiac rehabilitation programme based on NMT may improve functional capacity in terms of patient performance, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. Moreover, the improvements were maintained at medium-term follow-up. This could help improve the design of rehabilitation sessions, considering factors associated with performing everyday activities in patients affected by ACS.

"Effect of Progressive Structured Neuromuscular Training Program on Balance, Performance and Injury Risk Prediction in Amateur Futsal Team Players: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial"

"Neuromuscular training improves neuromuscular control and balance, consequently enhancing joint stability. This study aims to assess the impact of a structured neuromuscular training program on balance and performance among university amateur male futsal team players and to analyze biomechanical factors pertinent to injury risk assessments. Thirty athletes aged between 18 and 25, participating in the university male futsal team, will be enrolled in this study. At the outset, all athletes will undergo evaluation using the Korebalance® System, Countermovement Jump, Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test, Shot on Goal Test, Sit and Reach Test, Shuttle, Y Balance-Lower Quadrant, and The Tuck Jump test. Subsequently, they will maintain their regular training regimen of classical training twice a week for eight weeks and undergo reassessment using the same battery of tests after 8 weeks of period. Following this initial phase, the athletes will be randomly assigned to two groups: Control Group (n = 15) and Neuromuscular Training Group (n = 15). The Control Group (CG) will continue with their classical futsal training twice a week for eight weeks, while the Neuromuscular Training Group (NMEG) will engage in progressive structured neuromuscular training in addition to their regular futsal training, also twice a week for eight weeks. At the conclusion of the eight-week intervention period, both groups will undergo reevaluation using the same assessment methods. The study commenced in October 2023 and is anticipated to conclude by August 2024. It is anticipated that the integration of progressive structured neuromuscular training into futsal team training programs will yield positive outcomes."

Impact of neuromuscular training including balance, strength and plyometric exercises on static and dynamic balance in high-level male runners with mild intellectual disability.

This study aims to investigate the impact of neuromuscular training (NMT) on static and dynamic postural balance (PB) among high-level male runners with intellectual disability. Twenty-seven runners were randomly assigned to a NMT group and a control group who maintained their conventional training. Static and dynamic PB were assessed using the centre of pressure (CoP) excursions (in bipedal and unipedal stances under open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions) and the star excursion balance test (SEBT), respectively, at pre-training and post-training. The NMT group showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased CoP values and increased SEBT scores at post-training compared to pre-training. The switch from OE to CE did not affect static PB in the bipedal stance, only in the NMT group. The NMT was effective in improving static and dynamic PB in runners with intellectual disability. The NMT could reduce visual dependency.

The effect of neuromuscular and vestibular-ocular reflex training program on balance, isokinetic muscle strength and proprioception in people with chronic ankle instability

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare and investigate the effectiveness of neuromuscular exercise combined with vestibular-ocular reflex training and only neuromuscular exercise training on balance, isokinetic muscle strength, and proprioception in chronic ankle instability (CAI). MethodThe study included 20 patients with unilateral CAI. The functional status was evaluated with the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). The star-excursion balance test was used for dynamic balance, and the joint position sense test assessed proprioception. Ankle concentric muscle strength was measured by an isokinetic dynamometer. The subjects were randomly divided into neuromuscular and vestibular-ocular reflex training (VOG, n = 10) and neuromuscular training group (NG, n = 10). Both rehabilitation protocols were applied for four weeks. ResultsAlthough VOG had higher means of all parameters, no superiority was found between the two groups in post-treatment results. However, the VOG significantly improved FAAM scores at the sixth-month follow-up than NG (P < .05). In the linear regression analysis, the post-treatment proprioception inversion-eversion for unstable side and FAAM- S were found to be independent factors of FAAM-S scores at the six months follow -up in VOG. Post-treatment isokinetic strength for inversion of unstable side (120 º /s) and FAAM- S were determined as predictor factors of FAAM- S scores at the six months follow -up (p < .05) in NG. ConclusionThe Neuromuscular combined with vestibular-ocular reflex training protocol effectively managed unilateral CAI. Furthermore, it may be considered an effective strategy for clinical outcomes for a long-term period in terms of functional status.

Adding neuromuscular training to a strengthening program did not produce additional improvement in clinical or kinematic outcomes in women with patellofemoral pain: A blinded randomised controlled trial

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is a knee pain condition with multifactorial aetiology, twice common in women. The recommended conservative treatment is based on strengthening of the core, hip, and knee musculatures. Addition of neuromuscular training to a strengthening protocol might provide further benefits on pain, function, and kinematics in PFP individuals. However, evidence for the effectiveness of this protocol is lacking. ObjectiveTo investigate whether adding neuromuscular training to strengthening program could provide any additional improvements of pain, function, and kinematics in PFP women. Methods71 PFP women were randomly into two groups and submitted to different interventions for 12 weeks. The strengthening group (SG) performed strengthening exercises for the trunk, hip, and knee muscles, while the neuromuscular training group (NMTG) performed the same exercises as SG, plus neuromuscular training from the 4th week onwards. The primary outcomes were pain intensity, function, and 2-D kinematics of the trunk and lower limb. The secondary outcomes were isometric muscle strength and patient satisfaction level. All outcomes were evaluated at 12 weeks, immediately post-treatment. ResultsAt 12 weeks, there was no evidence of between-group differences for any outcome, but both interventions provided clinically significant improvements for pain intensity (SG: mean difference −3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] −5.0, −2.9; NMTG: mean difference −3.1, 95% CI -4.1, −2.0) and function (SG: mean difference 15.3, 95% CI 11.5, 19.2; NMTG: mean difference 16.9, 95% CI 13.2, 20.7). ConclusionNeuromuscular training did not produce any additional benefits for pain, function, or kinematics at 12 weeks of treatment.

Comparative Effects of Neuromuscular- and Strength-Training Protocols on Pathomechanical, Sensory-Perceptual, and Motor-Behavioral Impairments in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a complex condition that includes limited mobility, perceived instability, and recurrent ankle sprains are common characteristics that reduce the quality of life in subjects who suffer from CAI. Neuromuscular training and strength training have been recommended in CAI management interventions. However, there are contradictory findings on results when comparing neuromuscular training, strength training, and the control group. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 8 weeks of neuromuscular intervention training, strength training, and no intervention in a sporting population with reported CAI. (2) Methods: Sixty-seven athletes with CAI were randomly assigned to a neuromuscular training group (NG), strength training group (SG), or control group (CG). Participants completed 8 weeks of neuromuscular training (a combination of static and dynamic exercises), strength training (resistance band exercises), or no training. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks and included selfs-reported instability feeling (CAIT), dynamic balance (SEBT), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (WBLT), and functional status (FAAM and FAAM-SPORT). (3) Results: There were significant differences between strength and control groups in the posteromedial direction of SEBT, FAAM, and FAAM-SPORT after 8 weeks of intervention. (4) Conclusions: Neuromuscular training and strength training based on resistance bands exercises showed significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion, subjective feeling of instability, functional status, and dynamic balance in patients with CAI.

Muscle activation patterns around knee following neuromuscular training in patients with knee osteoarthritis: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of neuromuscular training (NMT) to a quadriceps strength training (QT) program on co-contraction index (CCI) of knee muscles in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsSixty-six knee OA patients with varus malalignment were recruited from the physiotherapy outpatient department of the university. After baseline measurements, they were randomly assigned into two groups: NMT (n = 33) and QT (n = 33). Patients in NMT group received neuromuscular exercises whereas QT group received conventional strengthening exercises for a period of 12 weeks, three times per week. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of quadriceps, hamstring and gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated during treadmill walking before and after 12 weeks of intervention period and CCI of medial quadriceps-medial hamstring (med QH), lateral quadriceps-lateral hamstring (lat QH), medial quadriceps-medial gastrocnemius (med QG) and, lateral quadriceps and lateral gastrocnemius (lat QG) was calculated.ResultsThere was a significantly greater reduction in CCI of med QH (p = 0.02) and lat QH (p = 0.01) in the NMT group than the QT group. Whereas both NMT and QT led to statistically similar reductions in CCI of med QG (p = 0.08) and lat QG (p = 0.66).ConclusionFindings of this study suggest that NMT led to a greater reduction in CCI of knee muscles than QT which indicates that enhanced sensori-motor control attained by NMT could reduce knee loading in knee OA patients with varus malalignment.

A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Effectiveness of Exercise Intervention in Preventing Sports Injuries

Athletes risk injury every day during practice sessions and actual games, with the majority of the affected population being young males. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2011-2014 report on sport and recreation-related injuries in the United States has consistently shown the average annual estimate of the millions of dollars spent on sport and recreation injuries. These injuries translate to a significant financial implication for the athlete, the team, the health system, and the public health.We composed a review protocol. We enumerated our inclusion and exclusion criteria, injury definition, and search strategy. We searched PubMed and SPORTDiscus. Then we used Forrest plots for the meta-analysis of the relevant selected studies. We used various keywords in our search strategy. These included “injury,” “sports,” “exercise,” “prevention,” “techniques,” and every possible combination of them. Search results showed 2516 hits with our keywords, and we included 20 of those results.Twenty trials, including 19712 individuals with 2855 injuries, were analyzed. Eccentric Training relative risk (RR) of 0.54 (95% CI 0.395 to 0.739 with X2 of p < 0.05) showed that the risk of the injury was decreased by 54% in the intervention group compared to the control group. In the neuromuscular training group, a RR of 0.682 (95% CI 0.621 to 0.749 with X2 of p < 0.001) showed that the risk of the injury was decreased by 68.2% in its intervention group subgroup compared to its control group. Also, the “11” International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) program had a RR of 0.771, indicating that there was a 77.1% decrease in injury by this set of exercises (95% CI 0.728 to 0.816 with X2 of p < 0.05), and this “11” FIFA program also had the most preventative effects. Warm-up had a RR of 0.843 (95% CI 0.749 to 0.949 with X2 of p < 0.05) and showed small prevention. Strength Training RR of 0.97 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.63 with X2 of p > 0.05) had no preventive effect.Our analysis showed that different exercises have preventive roles in sports injuries. The warm-up FIFA, neuromuscular training, and eccentric training reduced the risk of injury in the intervention group compared to the control group by a high percentage. At the same time, neuromuscular warm-up and FIFA 11 dynamic warm-up also decreased the relative risk of injury in the intervention group. These effects varied among exercise type, injury type, and sport.

Effect of Circuit Type Neuromuscular Training on Strength, Power, and Functional Performance in MZ Generation

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit-type neuromuscular training (CTNT) on strength, power, and functional performance among the MZ generation.METHODS: Twenty-eight participants were assigned to either the circuit-type neuromuscular training group (CTNTG, n=14) or the control group (CG, n=14). CTNT was performed for 50 minutes a day, 2–3 times a week, for 6 weeks. The CG only performed activities of daily living during the study period. Baseline and post measures included isometric muscular strength (knee flexion, knee extension, back flexion, back extension), vertical jump, 30 m sprint, T-agility, and Y-balance tests.RESULTS: The results showed that the CTNT had a positive effect on the improvement of knee flexion (p=.015), knee extension (p=.047), back extension (p=.003), vertical jump (p=.025), T-agility (p=.046), posteromedial (p=.031), posterolateral (p=.022), and composite score (p=.032).CONCLUSIONS: These findings can be a factor that the strength, power, and functional performance of MZ generation can be sufficiently improved through the CTNT program. This suggests that CTNT is the most appropriate exercise intervention method to improve the strength, power, and functional performance of the MZ generation.

Preliminary Report on the Train the Brain Project, Part II: Neuroplasticity of Augmented Neuromuscular Training and Improved Injury-Risk Biomechanics.

Neuromuscular training (NMT) facilitates the acquisition of new movement patterns that reduce the anterior cruciate ligament injury risk. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown. To determine the relationship between brain activation and biomechanical changes after NMT with biofeedback. Cohort study. Research laboratory. Twenty female high school soccer athletes, with 10 in an augmented NMT group and 10 in a control (no training) group. Ten participants completed 6 weeks of NMT augmented with real-time biofeedback to reduce knee injury-risk movements, and 10 participants pursued no training. Augmented neuromuscular training (aNMT) was implemented with visual biofeedback that responded in real time to injury-risk biomechanical variables. A drop vertical jump with 3-dimensional motion capture was used to assess injury-risk neuromuscular changes before and after the 6-week intervention. Brain-activation changes were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging during unilateral knee and multijoint motor tasks. After aNMT, sensory (precuneus), visual-spatial (lingual gyrus), and motor-planning (premotor) brain activity increased for knee-specific movement; sensorimotor cortex activity for multijoint movement decreased. The knee-abduction moment during landing also decreased (4.66 ± 5.45 newton meters; P = .02; Hedges g = 0.82) in the aNMT group but did not change in the control group (P > .05). The training-induced increased brain activity with isolated knee movement was associated with decreases in knee-abduction moment (r = 0.67; P = .036) and sensorimotor cortex activity for multijoint movement (r = 0.87; P = .001). No change in brain activity was observed in the control group (P > .05). The relationship between neural changes observed across tasks and reduced knee abduction suggests that aNMT facilitated recruitment of sensory integration centers to support reduced injury-risk mechanics and improve sensorimotor neural efficiency for multijoint control. Further research is warranted to determine if this training-related multimodal neuroplasticity enhances neuromuscular control during more complex sport-specific activities.

Effects of a 10-Month Neuromuscular Training Program on Strength, Power, Speed, and Vault Performance in Young Female Gymnasts.

This study aimed to evaluate a 10-month neuromuscular training (NMT) intervention on isometric and dynamic kinetics, standing long jump (SLJ) distance, speed, and sport-specific performance. Forty-three prepubertal female gymnasts were allocated into either a gymnastics + NMT (gNMT; n = 16), gymnastics only (GYM, n = 15), or maturity-matched control (CON; n = 12) group. The gNMT followed a 10-month, twice-weekly NMT program that targeted movement competency, strength, power, and speed. Vaulting vertical take-off velocity, speed, SLJ distance, and kinetics during an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ) were measured at baseline and thereafter at 4, 7, and 10 months. Within-group differences were calculated using 3 × 4 repeated-measures ANCOVA. Interaction effects were observed for SLJ distance and various IMTP, DJ, and vaulting variables. The gNMT showed significant improvements in IMTP absolute force and SLJ distance after 4 months and each subsequent testing session. IMTP relative force and various CMJ and DJ kinetics significantly improved in the gNMT from 7 months. Significant gains in speed and vaulting take-off velocity occurred after 10 months. The GYM group achieved some significant improvements in CMJ impulse, absolute isometric strength, and DJ spring-like behavior, whereas the CON group did not experience any changes. The addition of NMT to gymnastics training improved various isometric and dynamic kinetics, SLJ distance, speed, and vaulting take-off velocity in the gNMT, changes that were not equally evidenced for GYM or CON. The threshold for most of the training-induced adaptations observed in IMTP relative force, CMJ and DJ kinetics, sprint speed, and vaulting were achieved after 7 months, emphasizing the efficacy of long-term NMT programs for young gymnasts.

The Effect of an 8 Week Neuromuscular Training Program on Knee Movement Biomechanics in African American Female Athletes

This study examined the effects of an eight-week neuromuscular training (NMT) program on knee valgus angle in African American female athletes. Twenty-six female collegiate athletes participated. NMT group (n=15, 19.6±1.12 years) underwent an intervention training program that included three main components (plyometric and movement, core strengthening and balance, and resistance training). While, control group (n=11, 19.3±1.50 years) underwent the resistance training protocol for eight weeks. We hypothesized the NMT program would significantly decrease knee valgus angles during a drop vertical jump (DVJ) at landing for the NMT group when compared to the control group. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were done on the Pre-and Post-test findings. Results showed maximum valgus angle (VGmax) is significantly decreased (p&lt;.05), and Maximum flexion (Flexmax) is significantly increased during the drop vertical jump in dominant leg (p&lt;.05). The results support the hypothesis that an 8-week NMT program that combines injury prevention-training components can decrease an injury risk factor such as knee valgus in African American female athletes.

동적 신경근 안정화 운동 적용에 따른 기계적 목 통증 사무직 여성의 통증, 목뼈 위치각 및 근력의 차이

The purpose of the current study is to assess the effectiveness of a dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training intervention for sedentary female worker with mechanical neck pain after analyzing neck pain, cervical position angle, and muscle strength.<BR> Thirty sedentary female workers were assigned to two experimental groups (dynamic neuromuscular training group, n=16, control group, n=14). The subjects in the dynamic neuromuscular training group were participated for 60 minutes/day and three times/wk for 12 weeks. Whereas subjects in control group were asked to maintain normal lifestyle during the same intervention period. The neck pain, cervical position angle, and muscle strength were measured before and after the twelve-weeks intervention.<BR> Study results showed that NRS(p<.001), NDI(p<.001), and CRA(p<.001) were significantly decreased in the dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training group, and CVA(p<.01) and neck flexor(p<.001) were also significantly increased in the dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training group.<BR> These findings suggest that dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training may have a positive effect on the neck pain, cervical position angle, and neck flexor in mechanical neck pain.

Effects of neuromuscular training on agility, balance and functional performance in young cricketers

Introduction: For improving balance Agility, Functional performance, so many research has been done in past for cricketers. For this purpose, the effectiveness of 4 week of Neuromuscular training on functional movement screen and physiological performance in adolescent cricketers is done. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 4 week of Neuromuscular training with Conventional strength training on the physical fitness of adolescent cricketers. Methods: 30 adolescent cricketers were divided into Neuromuscular training group (NMT, n=15) and Conventional strength training group (CST, n=15). For the verification of Neuromuscular training response – 1. Y test= For balance 2. T test= For agility 3. FMS test= For functional performance (Functional Movement Screen) was used. The NMT group (intervention group) received a weekly 4×45 min. training session with an emphasis on movement quality, whereas the CST group (control group) was involved in regular conventional training protocol. ANALYSIS: The statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22 .Descriptive analysis was carried out for Age, BMI, Gender, T-Test, Y-Test and FMS was done. Paired T-test, Y-Test, FMS was used to evaluate the difference within the group for all outcome measure. 9 Independent T-Test, Y-Test, FMS was used to evaluate the difference between the groups. RESULT: At the end of 4 weeks, when compare to NMT groups and CST group. The group undergone NMT showed significant increases in Agility, Balance and Functional performance in participant compared to those undergone CST training. The agility of the cricketers was measured using T-test and there was significant improvement in the pre and post values of T-test within the group as well as between the group i.e. (pre p=0.91 and post p=.113) The balance of the cricketers was measured using Y-Test and there was significant change in the pre and post value of Y -test within the group as well as between the group in Left lower limb. (pre [p]=.000 post[p]=.953) While, there was not much significant difference in pre and post value of Y-test of Right lower limb. i.e. (pre (p)=.000, post (p)=.961. The Functional performance of the cricketers were measured using FMS (Functional Movement Screen) and there was significant change in the pre and post value within the group as well as between the group. (pre [p]=.002 post [p] =.000 CONCLUSION: Both interventions are efficient to improve physical fitness of adolescent cricketers, however NMT includes better adoptive responses to CST.

The Effects of a 10-Week Neuromuscular Training on Postural Control in Elite Youth Competitive Ballroom Dancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a 10-week neuromuscular training (NMT) program on the postural control of elite youth competitive ballroom dancers. Forty-two dancers (21 couples) were randomly assigned to either the NMT group (n = 22) or the control group (CG; n = 20). Participants in NMT underwent a three-sessions-per-week NMT program for 10 weeks. Testing at baseline and after the 10 weeks intervention included the Y-balance test (YBT) and Modified-Balance Error Scoring System (M-BESS). Results of YBT indicated that NMT participants demonstrated increased reach in the posterolateral and posteromedial directions for the right and left lower limb, whereas no significant change was found in the anterior direction for both limbs. Results of Modified-Balance Error Scoring System (M-BESS) showed that NMT participants displayed significantly decreased errors of the double-leg floor (p = 0.026), single-leg foam (p = 0.010), double-leg foam (p = 0.003), tandem floor (p = 0.031), and tandem foam (p = 0.038), while no significant change was found in single-leg floor performance (p = 0.476). CG participants did not exhibit any significant change during the 10-week period. In summary, the study affirmed that the 10-week NMT program enhanced the postural control performance of youth ballroom dancers and showed effects on ballroom dance-specific performance and lower-limb injury prevention. The results suggest that NMT may be a valuable addition to ballroom dance training regimens.

Effects of neuromuscular training on psychomotor development and active joint position sense in school children

As psychomotor development occurs in a specific social context, the environment in which a child is reared is important. The randomized study involved forty-five school children between 8 and 10 years. They were assigned to a control group (n = 23) and a neuromuscular training group (n = 22). A neuromuscular intervention for six weeks, on two nonconsecutive days, and in a circuit with 30-second stations was performed. The psychomotor development was evaluated through a psychomotor battery and the active joint position sense through the positional error. In the control group, the positional error decreased significantly in the shoulder (p < 0.001) and hip (p < 0.001), while the scores of motor function increased significantly which included balance (p < 0.001), spatio-temporal structuring (p = 0.022), global praxia (p = 0.002), and fine praxia (p = 0.003). In the neuromuscular training group, the positional error decreased significantly in the shoulder (p = 0.015), elbow (p = 0.015), wrist (p < 0.001), hip (p < 0.001), knee (p < 0.001), and ankle (p < 0.001), while the motor function scores increased significantly which included tonicity (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), notion of the body (p < 0.001), spatio-temporal structuring (p < 0.001), global praxia (p < 0.001), and fine praxia (p < 0.001). A six-week neuromuscular training improved active joint position sense and psychomotor development in children.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Motor Competence and Physical Performance in Young Female Volleyball Players.

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.

Effect of neuromuscular training augmented with knee valgus control instructions on lower limb biomechanics of male runners

ObjectiveTo examine if combining neuromuscular training (NMT) with knee valgus control instructions (VCIs) can affect lower limb biomechanics and injury incidence in male novice runners and assess over 1-year follow-up. DesignControlled laboratory Study. SettingUniversity research laboratory. Participants60 male novice runners randomly assigned into NMT (n = 20), NMT plus VCIs (n = 20), and sham (n = 20). Main outcome measuresKinematic and kinetic were measured at pre- and post-test and 1-year follow-up. Injury incidence assessed at pre-test and 1-year follow up. ResultsThere were significant between-group differences in kinetics after 6 weeks in NMT plus VCIs group. No significant differences were observed between NMT and NMT plus VCIs in kinematic variables. No significant change was seen in the sham in all variables. At 1-year follow-up, the minimal changes were seen in kinetic variables. Reduction reported running-related injuries were 31.58% in the NMT alone group, 65.52% in NMT plus VCIs group. In sham, it increased to 13.46%. ConclusionsNMT plus VCIs was effective to reduce kinetics and improve kinematics in novice runners. Also, it could reduce injury incidence. This protocol may be an option for both athletic trainers and coaches for preventing of lower limbs’ injury in male runners.

Four Weeks of Neuromuscular Training Improve Static and Dynamic Postural Control in Overweight and Obese Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Thirty-two children with overweight or obesity were randomly divided into a neuromuscular training group (NTG) (n = 16) and a control group (CG) (n = 16). All individuals participated in the measurement of static postural control under two conditions: the double-leg stance with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). The center of pressure variables was obtained. mSEBT was used for dynamic postural control. Neuromuscular training was performed twice per week and lasted 4 weeks. The results of this study indicate that 4 weeks of neuromuscular training improve static and dynamic postural control in children with excess body weight.