Neuromuscular and Proprioceptive Training in Football Players

Effect of Neuromuscular and Proprioceptive Training in Reducing Landing Error Patterns in Football Players

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive and neuromuscular training on landing errors and balance of the football players. This was randomized controlled trial in which 40 football players were randomly allocated into experimental and control group. The control group followed conventional exercise plan while experimental group players were being trained under Myklebust's training program. Data were collected at baseline and after follow-up of five weeks Landing Error Score System (LESS) and Biodex Single Leg Stability (SLS) score. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS)-21.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a severe public health issue from both an economic and general wellness view. This burden will be reduced by promoting compliance and the use of injury prevention programs. To reduce injury rates, trainers, athletes, parents, and the team of sports medicine need to know the advantages of injury prevention programs. Parents and employees in sports medicine want a program that can decrease the risk of injury. Coaches and athletes are looking for a program that will also increase athletic efficiency without taking time off exercise, time that would otherwise be spent honing sport-specific abilities. Injury prevention programs in youth athletics will promote neuromuscular enhancements and create appropriate long-term techniques while instantly preparing the athlete for competition. Various studies have been done to assess the role of proprioceptive and neuromuscular exercises on reducing incidence of ACL injury. No conclusive result has been established as yet that these type of exercises really reduce the incidence of ACL injury or not. However, it is found that by performing certain exercises there is improvement in biomechanics of jump landing as predicted by LESS score which is a reliable tool to establish risk of ACL and other lower limb injury in an athlete. Therefore the investigators have used a lower limb injury prevention program to assess its effectiveness in reducing LESS score.

Myklebust's training program (floor exercises, mat exercises, and wobble board exercises for 5 weeks)

Changes for the baseline, there are 17 items in LESS. Maximum possible score is 19 which show very poor mechanics and score of 5 and less than 5 are considered good to excellent.

Measures were obtained from 20-sec trials during which participants were asked to maintain an upright standing position on their dominant limb on the unstable surface of the Biodex Stability and Balance System.Its reliability is R = .94

Inclusion Criteria: Male football players registered with Pakistan Sports Board, Islamabad. Players playing for a minimum of 20 hrs per week. The participant should understand and sign the informed consent form. Players should agree to take part in the training program for 35 days. Exclusion Criteria: Players with any major neuromusculoskeletal or cardiovascular pathology in last 6 months. Players having any psychological issue

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