Neuromuscular Training Program Research Articles

Best practices for the dissemination and implementation of neuromuscular training injury prevention warm-ups in youth team sport: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo evaluate best practices for neuromuscular training (NMT) injury prevention warm-up programme dissemination and implementation (D&I) in youth team sports, including characteristics, contextual predictors and D&I strategy effectiveness.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesSeven...

Comparative Effects of Core Neuromuscular Training versus Conservative Physical Therapy to Reduce Pain and Improve Functional Performance in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Running, stair climbing, jumping and squatting represent a few of the activities that can cause patellofemoral pain syndrome. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most typical causes of anterior knee discomfort in teenagers and persons below Sixty. Objective: To contrast the results of conservative physical treatment plus core neuromuscular training and conservative physical therapy alone. Methods: It was a quasi-experimental study in which patients suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome were selected on the basis of convenience sampling from Government hospitals of Faisalabad after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were divided into Group A and Group B at random. Participants of Group A performed neuromuscular core training plus conservative physical therapy exercise program for 4 weeks while participants of group B performed conservative physical therapy exercise alone for 4 weeks. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 27.0. Results: Following therapy, the pain level was substantially reduced in both of the groups (P < 0.05) with Intervention group showing better results. Similarly, there was improvement in scores of Kujala questionnaire in both groups after treatment (P< 0.05) but the results of Intervention group were comparatively better. Conclusions: There is significant effect of core neuromuscular training plus conservative physical therapy as compared to conservative physical therapy alone.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Patterns of Common Injuries in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes

Injuries in pediatric and adolescent athletes continue to rise in the United States, with increases in year-round sports participation, earlier sport specialization, and inadequate access to neuromuscular training programs. In this setting, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a critical diagnostic tool. This review article describes the utility of MRI in diagnosing common pediatric and adolescent sports injuries and presents imaging findings associated with these pathologies.

Effects of a neuromuscular training program on the performance and inter-limb asymmetries in highly trained junior male tennis players

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of neuromuscular training on the performance of highly trainer junior tennis players. MethodsTwelve male tennis players (age: 13.4 ± 0.36 years; weight: 50.2 ± 6.29 kg; height: 163 ± 4.41 cm) participated and were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) performed neuromuscular training that included exercises for speed, strength, throws, agility, jumps and coordination twice a week for a duration of 10 weeks. Performance was evaluated using various variables, including bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump, 30 cm drop jump and horizontal jump, 505 change of direction test conducted with both the right and left legs, 20-m sprint, and overhead 3 kg medicine ball throw. Asymmetries were also evaluated during the unilateral tests. The impact of the training was assessed through the utilization of ANCOVA tests and effect size measurements. ResultsThe results indicated a significant enhancement in the EG, specifically in bilateral vertical jump and horizontal jump, as well as explosive strength and speed. Conversely, the control group (CG) did not display similar advancements. Furthermore, there was no increase in asymmetries. ConclusionThis suggests that the implementation of a neuromuscular training program could prove to be an effective approach in enhancing explosive power in the lower limbs among young competitive tennis players. Finally, this training program could contribute to the enhancement of their physical attributes in lower body of young tennis players.

Independent data collectors decrease bias in the measurement of adherence to anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention programs

ObjectivesStudies on adherence to neuromuscular training (NMT) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention are frequently biased due to the use of self-reporting by coaches or the athletes themselves. Few NMT studies use data collectors (aside from the athletes or the individuals administering the NMT program) to decrease bias when assessing the adherence of coaches and sports teams. We hypothesized that the use of a data collector who is independent of the team to evaluate adherence to NMT programs would be reliable. MethodsIn a prior a cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluating adherence to NMT training trial, twelve boys' and nine girls' high school athletic teams in a variety of sports were enrolled. Eight data collectors (unaffiliated with the NMT program) were hired specifically to record adherence of the athletes to the NMT exercises at each team's warm-ups 2–3 times a week, prior to practices and games. In addition to the data collectors, a control group of independent observers made visits throughout the season to also record adherence (solely for the purpose of this study, alongside the data collectors and in the same fashion) in order to evaluate the data collectors' performance and determine inter-observer reliability. The inter-observer reliability between data collectors and independent observers was measured using the Kappa statistic. ResultsA total of 399 warm-ups for practices or games were observed by data collectors to obtain adherence data. Independent observers also measured adherence at 58 practices or games for inter-observer reliability. Exercise instruction and alignment cues for 29 different exercises were analysed. The Kappa values ranged from 0.63 to 1.0, indicating substantial to perfect agreement. The overall Kappa values of 0.89 and 0.90 for exercise instruction and alignment cues, respectively, indicated almost perfect agreement. ConclusionThe use of a data collector who is independent of the team to evaluate adherence to NMT programs (rather than athlete or coach self-reporting), was shown to be a reliable method for measurement of adherence in studies of NMT for injury prevention. Avoiding self-reporting in adherence research to NMT training may decrease bias. Level of EvidenceI.

A 10-week neuromuscular program improved specific skills in young competitive tennis players

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of neuromuscular training on the performance of young tennis players. Eleven young tennis players (4 girls, 7 boys; age: 13.36 ± .5; weight: 46.54 ± 7.97; height: 160.45 ± 8.38; APHV 12.90 ± .51) participated and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG), which underwent neuromuscular training twice a week for 10 weeks, or a control group (CG), which followed only their regular tennis training without physical preparation. Performance was measured by variables such as bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), 30cm drop jump (DJ) bilateral and unilateral, bilateral and unilateral horizontal jump (SH), modified 505 agility test (CD) performed with both right and left legs, 20-meter sprint (20m), 3kg medicine ball throw (BM) overhead, and the Course- Navette test (CN). The impact of the training was determined by effect size. The results showed that the EG significantly improved in all variables while the CG did not, indicating that implementing a neuromuscular training program may be an effective method for improving the performance of young competitive tennis players, enhancing their physical attributes in both lower and upper body.

Current Panorama and Challenges in Preventing Ankle Injuries in Athletes

Introduction: The review addresses ankle injuries in athletes, highlighting their prevalence and impact on sports performance. Injuries, such as sprains and fractures, result from a variety of factors, including direct trauma and sudden movements. Prevention is crucial and involves specific training, use of appropriate equipment and innovative strategies. Objective: Check current challenges in preventing ankle injuries in athletes. Methods: This study constitutes a systematic review, classified as exploratory and descriptive. The preparation of the research was a bibliographical search in electronic databases on methods associated with RSL (Systematic Literature Review) and the applications of SMARTER (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique using Exploiting Rankings). The study methodology is a systematic, exploratory and descriptive review, using qualitative and quantitative methods. The bibliographic search covered several databases, with well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was conducted by three independent researchers. Results and Discussion: The results revealed 399 articles, 11 of which were included in the review. Various studies addressed diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic methods. Interventions such as weight-bearing MRI, neuromuscular training programs, low-friction adhesives and proprioceptive training stand out. The understanding of radiographic patterns and the analysis of innovative techniques, which enrich the preventive approach. Conclusion: The conclusion highlights important insights, highlighting the need for more comprehensive research, standardization and long-term studies. Despite limitations, promising advances indicate a positive shift in ankle injury prevention, requiring a collaborative approach between researchers, healthcare professionals and athletes.

The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Sand Versus Hard Surfaces on Physical Fitness in Young Male Tennis Players.

To examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program combining plyometric exercises with acceleration, deceleration, and change-of-direction drillsconducted on sand or hard surfaces on the fitness qualities of young male tennis players. Thirty-one young male players were allocated to a training group performing 12 training sessions on sand or hard surfaces, during a 6-week period. Tests included linear sprint (10-m acceleration with 5-m split times), change of direction (modified 5-0-5 test), vertical jumps (countermovement jump and the 10/5 repeated-jump test), isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, and dynamic balance (Y-balance test). Perceived training loads and muscle soreness were assessed during the intervention. Both training strategies were similarly effective in improving the analyzed fitness components. Group × time interaction effects were noticed, with countermovement jump (P = .032), repeated-jump test (P = .029), and reactive strength index (P = .008) favoring hardsurfaces and 5-m sprint (P = .009), dynamic balance (P < .05), adduction strength (P < .05), and abduction strength (P < .001) indices favoring sand. Furthermore, the sand group promoted greater perceived training loads and muscle soreness (P < .05) than the hard group across the intervention period. Neuromuscular training strategies characterized by a relatively low volume (∼35min), conducted on sand or hard surfaces, promoted similar improvements in the fitness qualities of young tennis players, with selected surface-interaction effects. Training on sand can cause transiently higher training loads and persistently higher muscle soreness, suggesting the need for an adequate familiarization period.

A Neuromuscular Training Program Performed on Foam is Accompanied by Improved Balance and Jump Height in Recreational Runners

Purpose: To assess balance, plyometric performance, and strength of recreational runners completing a neuromuscular training (NMT) program on a novel foam surface. Methods: After baseline testing, participants (n=14) completed 22-minute exercise sessions on foam twice weekly for eight weeks, and a post-training testing battery. Testing included lower quarter Y-balance test (LQYBT), dynamic leap and balance test (DLBT), squat jump and countermovement jump tests, and isometric strength testing of the foot and ankle via handheld dynamometry (HHD). Participants were asked to maintain their normal running routines throughout the study period and report any training missed due to injury. Results: Participants demonstrated significant (pConclusion: This study supports the use of progressive NMT on foam as a feasible intervention for recreational runners as all participants maintained typical running routines and reported no injuries. While further research is needed to directly inform possible effects of NMT on foam on injury risk and running performance, the improvements in single leg dynamic balance, lower body plyometric performance, and some indices of lower extremity strength in the present study suggest the efficacy of NMT performed on foam.

Physiological and clinical effects of low-intensity blood-flow restricted resistance exercise compared to standard rehabilitation in adults with knee osteoarthritis–Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease with high socioeconomical costs. In Denmark, standard rehabilitation (SR) consists of a combination of patient education and supervised physical exercise involving a standardized neuromuscular training program. As an evidence-based alternative, high–load (&gt;70% 1RM) resistance training (HIRT) has shown positive rehabilitation effects in knee-OA but may not be tolerated in all patients (~25%) due to knee joint pain. However, low-load resistance training (20–40% 1RM) with concurrent partial blood-flow restriction (BFR) appears to produce effects similar to HIRT yet involving reduced joint pain during and after exercise. The aim is to examine the effect of low-load BFR training compared to SR on pain, thigh muscle mass and muscle function in adults with knee-OA. We hypothesize that 12 weeks of BFR will lead to superior improvements in pain, muscle mass and mechanical muscle function compared to SR. Methods and analysis 90 participants diagnosed with radiographic knee-OA will be randomized to either BFR or SR twice a week for 12 weeks. BFR will consist of two selected lower limb strength exercises performed with an inflated pneumatic occlusion cuff. Intervention procedures in SR consist of a full 8 weeks GLA:D course followed by 4 weeks of team group training. Primary outcome variable is the change in KOOS-Pain subscale from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcome variables are changes in pain sensitivity, functional performance, muscle mass and mechanical muscle function. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be conducted. One-way analysis of variance will be performed to evaluate between-group changes. Pre-to-post intervention comparisons will be analyzed using a mixed linear model. Regression analysis will be performed to evaluate potential associations between selected outcome variables.

The impact of a neuromuscular training program on change of direction speed in amateur female rugby

The impact of a neuromuscular training program on change of direction speed in amateur female rugby

A group-supervised neuromuscular training program for the treatment of low back pain in military personnel – Preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial

A group-supervised neuromuscular training program for the treatment of low back pain in military personnel – Preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial

Core strength, dynamic balance and performance enhancement in female athletes with ligament dominance in response to sports-specific SportsMetrics neuromuscular training programs

Core strength, dynamic balance and performance enhancement in female athletes with ligament dominance in response to sports-specific SportsMetrics neuromuscular training programs

Biomechanical Assessment and Neuromuscular Training to Mitigate Risk of Reinjury After ACLR

Background: Reinjury rates following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remain high, and the cause is often multifactorial. There is growing literature supporting asymmetric biomechanical deficits leading to increased risk of reinjury. Neuromuscular training during postoperative rehabilitation may mitigate risk of reinjury by addressing these biomechanical deficits. Indications: Neuromuscular training is supported in the literature to reduce primary ACL injury risk and modify biomechanical risk factors. Incorporating neuromuscular training into postoperative rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction may reduce the risk of reinjury. Technique Description: The Landing Error Scoring System, or LESS test, is an assessment tool utilized to detect biomechanical asymmetries following ACL reconstruction. Video analysis allows for observation of subtle biomechanical differences. Neuromuscular training programs help improve these deficits through stepwise gradual and individualized progressions that are specific to each patient’s needs and desired athletic return. Results: A patient who participates in neuromuscular training as a component of postoperative rehabilitation should demonstrate improvements in their individual biomechanical deficits at the completion of the program described. Discussion/Conclusion: Biomechanical assessment following ACL reconstruction, such as the LESS test, can identify deficits that may increase risk of reinjury. Neuromuscular training following ACL reconstruction can address these deficits and potentially mitigate risk of reinjury. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Effect of a Neuromuscular Training on Knee Valgus, Range of Motion and Muscle Strength of Soccer Players With Dynamic Knee Valgus

Background and Aims The present study aims to investigate the effect of a neuromuscular training program on knee valgus angle, and range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength of hip and ankle in male adolescent football players with dynamic knee valgus (DKV). Valgus knee is one of the most common neuromuscular abnormalities that is involved in causing non-contact damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Methods This is a quasi-experimental study. Participants were 25 adolescent male football players with DKV who were purposefully selected from Shahin Football Academy in Amol, Iran and randomly divided into two groups of control and training. The existence of DKV was assessed by Squats test and the valgus angle were assessed by jump-landing test and Kinovea software. The abduction and external rotation strength and ROM of hip and the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength and ROM of ankle were evaluated with Manual Muscle Testing and a goniometer, respectively. After performing the pre-test assessments, the subjects in the training group performed neuromuscular training for 8 weeks, while the control group also participated in the physical fitness program of Shahin Football Academy. At the end, assessments were performed again in two groups. To examine the differences, repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test were used in SPSS software, version 24. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results The results showed a significant difference in knee valgus angle (P=0.001), abduction ROM of hip (P=0.01), external rotation ROM of hip (P=0.01), dorsiflexion ROM of ankle with knee extension (P=0.001), dorsiflexion ROM of ankle with knee flexion (P=0.001), hip abduction strength (P=0.002), hip external rotation strength (P=0.01), and plantarflexion strength of ankle (P=0.03) between the control and training groups. However, the results showed no significant difference in plantarflexion ROM of ankle and dorsiflexion strength of ankle (P&gt;0.05). After one month, the results showed the sustainability of the effect of training on abduction and external rotation ROM of hip, dorsiflexion ROM of ankle with knee extension and flexion, and dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength of ankle. Conclusion The neuromuscular training can reduce the risk of non-contact ACL injury in male football players with DKV by improving strength and ROM of hip and ankle.

Effects of 6-Week Dynamic and Static Neuromuscular Training Program on Postural Stability Control of High School Taekwondo Athletes

Effects of 6-Week Dynamic and Static Neuromuscular Training Program on Postural Stability Control of High School Taekwondo Athletes

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.

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.

The Effectiveness of Six-Week Balance Training with Perturbation Intervention in Enhancing Dynamic Balance of Basketball Players

Background. It is known that all sports require dynamic balance and more specifically towards contact sports such as basketball which puts players through array of perturbation and collision during the game. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of six-week balance training with perturbation in enhancing dynamic balance of basketball players. Materials and methods. The study participants were ten basketball players who volunteered and were randomly distributed into an Experimental Group (N=5) and a Control Group (N=5). The Experimental Group received a six weeks balance training intervention with perturbation for a total of 18 sessions, while Control Group kept regular training. The Y-balance test was used in pre-test and post-test to measure dynamic balance of both groups. Independent sample t-test was used for the analysis of results. Results. The study findings revealed that the Experimental Group improved significantly in dynamic balance at p=0.000 after having undergone the 18 sessions of intervention with perturbation, while there was no significant improvement in the Control Group. Conclusions. This study concluded that the six-week balance training with perturbation is effective in enhancing dynamic balance control in basketball players. This intervention can be modified or integrated into a neuromuscular training program to further improve dynamic balance of basketball players, hence, may help in reducing injury risk. This intervention also can be suggested as a training regime for other contact sports that require excellent balance control.

The Impact of a Novel Neuromuscular Training Program on Leg Stiffness, Reactive Strength, and Landing Biomechanics in Amateur Female Rugby Players

This randomized control study aimed to assess 12 weeks of a novel neuromuscular training program (KneeRugbyWomen) on jump-related biomechanical variables in amateur female rugby players. Twenty-four participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (EG; n = 12, age: 20.05 ± 4.43 yrs., height: 166.54 ± 4.46 cm, weight: 64.65 ± 6.44 kg) or a control group (CG; n = 12, age: 20.04 ± 4.88 yrs., height: 166.83 ± 7.30 cm, weight: 69.83 ± 12.84 kg). Participants were tested before and after a 12-week intervention for jump-related biomechanical variables (leg stiffness, Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and landing mechanics using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS)). A significant increase in RSI was found in EG (p = 0.012, r = 0.70, large effect). At post-testing, players in EG had significantly greater RSI scores compared to CG at post-intervention (p = 0.007, r = 0.55, large effect). LESS scores of CG were significantly greater compared to EG at pre-intervention (p = 0.008, r = 0.55, large effect) and post-intervention (p = 0.003, r = 0.60, large effect). Results of this study demonstrate a positive effect of the KneeRugbyWomen training program on RSI, which has been previously associated with increased ACL injury risk in female players.