EFFECTS OF NEUROMUSCULAR TRAINING ON SINGLE LIMB STABILITY IN YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES

Abstract

Background:  Lower limb injuries in sports affect postural stability and balance. Muscular imbalance, postural malalignments, and altered biomechanics occurred in athletes due to injuries. Objective: To determine the effects of the 6-week neuromuscular training program on single-limb stability in young female athletes. Methodology: A single-subject study design was used in which n=20 female athletes aged between 18 to 25 years with previous lower limb injuries that lead to impaired balance and postural instability participated in this study included by the convenience sampling from the Faisalabad sports complex.. Athletes completed 6-week neuromuscular training program, with every session of 90 min and 3 times a week. Assessment of athletes was performed before and after the completion of the neuromuscular training program at 6 weeks, with a single-limb stance test, Stork balance stand test, and star excursion balance test. Results:  The mean age of participants was 20.6±1.82 years. Single limb stance test score with eyes open pre 27.70±13.85 and post-test treatment 40.75±16.45 showed significant results with (p <0.01). Stork balance test scores pre 28.40±17.25 and post-treatment 38.85±14.543 also showed significant results with (p <0.01). Star excursion balance test right and left anterior, left medial, right and left lateral also showed significant results with (p <0.01). Star excursion balance test right medial pre and post-treatment showed insignificant results with (p-value =0.234). Conclusion: Although 6-week neuromuscular training program showed a significant improvement on single-limb stability in young female athletes. But without control or comparative group we cannot establish its gender specific effectiveness.

Keywords: Neuromuscular training, static and dynamic balance, single limb stance test, stork balance stand test, star excursion test.