Safety and Effectiveness of a Perturbation-based Neuromuscular Training Program on Dynamic Balance in Adolescent Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial
# Background Adolescent females are at much greater risk for ACL injury than their male counterparts when participating in the same sports. Preventative and pre-operative rehabilitation neuromuscular (NM) exercise programs are often recommended to improve knee function and reduce injury rates. The e...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
North American Sports Medicine Institute
2021-08-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.25685 |
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| Summary: | # Background
Adolescent females are at much greater risk for ACL injury than their male counterparts when participating in the same sports. Preventative and pre-operative rehabilitation neuromuscular (NM) exercise programs are often recommended to improve knee function and reduce injury rates. The effectiveness of perturbation-based NM training program has been established in an adult population but has yet to be investigated in the at-risk adolescent female population.
# Purpose
To determine the effectiveness of a perturbation-based NM exercise program in a group of physically active adolescent females.
# Study Design
Prospective randomized trial.
# Methods
Twenty-four healthy and an exploratory group of 10 ACL-injured females (ages 12-18) were equally randomized into a perturbation-based NM training or control group and evaluated before and after a five-week intervention period. The primary outcome of dynamic balance was measured using the Y-Balance test (YBT); secondary outcome measures included lower limb strength, proprioception, and flexibility.
# Results
The perturbation-based NM training intervention was safely completed by all participants but had no significant effect on YBT scoring, lower limb strength, proprioception or flexibility in either the healthy or ACL-injured groups.
# Conclusions
Perturbation-based NM training is safe, but may offer little preventative benefit for healthy or pre-operative rehabilitation benefit for ACL-injured adolescent females. Future research should examine whether the effectiveness of perturbation-based NM training is influenced by the length of the training intervention, training intensity, or when it is combined with other forms of prophylactic or pre-surgical rehabilitation frequently used with at-risk adolescent females who regularly participate in sport.
# Level of Evidence
Level 3. |
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| ISSN: | 2159-2896 |