Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract Background Enhancing youth's physical fitness levels during childhood and adolescence through prior training programs can significantly optimize their athletic performance. The integrative neuromuscular training (INT) model is designed to improve neuromuscular function and prevent athl...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Sports Medicine - Open |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-025-00811-2 |
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| author | Ke-wen Wan Zi-han Dai Po-san Wong Robin Sze-tak Ho Bjorn T. Tam |
| author_facet | Ke-wen Wan Zi-han Dai Po-san Wong Robin Sze-tak Ho Bjorn T. Tam |
| author_sort | Ke-wen Wan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Enhancing youth's physical fitness levels during childhood and adolescence through prior training programs can significantly optimize their athletic performance. The integrative neuromuscular training (INT) model is designed to improve neuromuscular function and prevent athletic injuries, and is superior to the traditional physical training method. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of INT versus traditional physical fitness training (PT) on physical performance-related outcomes in young athletes. Methods Six online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO) searched from inception through 15 January 2024. Meta-analysis was performed when data were available from two or more trials. Physical performance-related outcomes were analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The certainty of evidence and quality of the included studies were rated using the GRADE scale and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool respectively. Results Seventeen randomized controlled trials with 649 young athletes were included in the systematic review. Of those, 1 study showed a low risk of bias, 1 showed a high risk, and 15 showed some concerns. Compared to the PT group, INT significantly improved dynamic balance (MD = 7.29%, 95%CI 3.31 to 11.28, p < 0.001, I2 = 64.7%), static balance (SMD = −0.54, 95%CI −0.84 to −0.24, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), jumping performance (SMD = 0.53, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.73, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), sprinting capacity (SMD = −0.76, 95%CI −1.13 to −0.39, p < 0.001, I2 = 57.6%) and maximal strength (SMD = 1.01, 95%CI 0.35 to 1.67, p = 0.002, I2 = 81.9%%). No significant between-group differences were identified for agility and flexibility. Conclusion Our findings suggest that INT has the potential to be an effective training method to improve physical performance in young athletes. Moreover, further research is needed to determine the effects and associated doses for young athletes of different age groups. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-717b0fc29601479f927a4b629111b7cd |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2198-9761 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sports Medicine - Open |
| spelling | doaj-art-717b0fc29601479f927a4b629111b7cd2025-02-09T12:38:40ZengSpringerOpenSports Medicine - Open2198-97612025-02-0111111310.1186/s40798-025-00811-2Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisKe-wen Wan0Zi-han Dai1Po-san Wong2Robin Sze-tak Ho3Bjorn T. Tam4Academy of Wellness and Human Development, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityDepartment of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong KongDepartment of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong KongDepartment of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong KongAcademy of Wellness and Human Development, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityAbstract Background Enhancing youth's physical fitness levels during childhood and adolescence through prior training programs can significantly optimize their athletic performance. The integrative neuromuscular training (INT) model is designed to improve neuromuscular function and prevent athletic injuries, and is superior to the traditional physical training method. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of INT versus traditional physical fitness training (PT) on physical performance-related outcomes in young athletes. Methods Six online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO) searched from inception through 15 January 2024. Meta-analysis was performed when data were available from two or more trials. Physical performance-related outcomes were analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The certainty of evidence and quality of the included studies were rated using the GRADE scale and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool respectively. Results Seventeen randomized controlled trials with 649 young athletes were included in the systematic review. Of those, 1 study showed a low risk of bias, 1 showed a high risk, and 15 showed some concerns. Compared to the PT group, INT significantly improved dynamic balance (MD = 7.29%, 95%CI 3.31 to 11.28, p < 0.001, I2 = 64.7%), static balance (SMD = −0.54, 95%CI −0.84 to −0.24, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), jumping performance (SMD = 0.53, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.73, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), sprinting capacity (SMD = −0.76, 95%CI −1.13 to −0.39, p < 0.001, I2 = 57.6%) and maximal strength (SMD = 1.01, 95%CI 0.35 to 1.67, p = 0.002, I2 = 81.9%%). No significant between-group differences were identified for agility and flexibility. Conclusion Our findings suggest that INT has the potential to be an effective training method to improve physical performance in young athletes. Moreover, further research is needed to determine the effects and associated doses for young athletes of different age groups.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-025-00811-2Integrative neuromuscular trainingPhysical fitness trainingYoung athletesPhysical performance |
| spellingShingle | Ke-wen Wan Zi-han Dai Po-san Wong Robin Sze-tak Ho Bjorn T. Tam Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Sports Medicine - Open Integrative neuromuscular training Physical fitness training Young athletes Physical performance |
| title | Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |
| title_full | Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |
| title_fullStr | Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |
| title_short | Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |
| title_sort | comparing the effects of integrative neuromuscular training and traditional physical fitness training on physical performance outcomes in young athletes a systematic review and meta analysis |
| topic | Integrative neuromuscular training Physical fitness training Young athletes Physical performance |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-025-00811-2 |
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