The effect of neuromuscular training program on landing position, balance, range of motion and strength of selected lower limb muscles in athletes with Dynamic Knee Valgus defect

This study aimed to determine the effect and persistence of neuromuscular correction programs on landing position, static and dynamic balance in athletes with Dynamic Knee Valgus defects.

The statistical population of this quasi-experimental study included teenagers athletes in soccer with dynamic knee valgus deformity who were purposefully selected and randomly assigned in two groups of control (Age: 12.50±0.67 years, height: 1.70±0.06 m, weight: 56.41±5.46 kg, body mass index: 19.49±1.57 kg/m2) and training (Age: 12.23±0.59 years, height: 1.67±0.10 m, weight: 53.07±8.96 kg, body mass index: 18.83±1.54 kg/m2). Dynamic knee valgus was assessed by squat test and valgus angle and knee flexion were assessed by landing-jump test using Quinoa software. Static and dynamic balance was assessed by the Bass Stick test and Y test. After evaluating the variables in the pre-test, the subjects in the exercise group performed neuromuscular exercises for 8 weeks and the control group participated in the team-specific physical fitness program only in this period.

The results in the training group showed that the neuromuscular correction program had a significant effect on variables (P≤0.01) except the knee flexion angle at the end of the descent (p=0.60). But the training results were not lasting after 1 month of untraining in variables Valgus at the moment of landing, static and dynamic balance. Also, the Bonferroni post hoc test results in variables (p≤0.01) except for knee flexion angle at the end of landing (p=0.14) showed a significant difference between the two groups.

Based on the results, the use of a neuromuscular correction program can be suggested as an effective program before puberty for teenage athletes in soccer with dynamic knee valgus of ankle origin.