OPTIMIZING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: NEUROMUSCULAR TRAINING FOR BALANCE, FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH, AND KNEE VALGUS IN FEMALE MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an eight-week neuromuscular training (NMT) program in enhancing balance, improving functional strength, and reducing dynamic knee valgus in female multi-sport athletes. A total of 44 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either a Neuromuscular Training Group (NMTG; n = 22) or a Control Group (CG; n = 22). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Y-Balance Test (YBT) to evaluate dynamic balance, a single-leg squat test to measure functional strength, and two-dimensional video analysis of the frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) to quantify knee valgus.

The results indicated that participants in the NMT group experienced significant improvements across all measured variables compared to the control group. Specifically, the NMT group demonstrated enhanced dynamic balance (p < .01), increased hip abductor and core-related functional strength (p < .01), and a substantial reduction in knee valgus angle during landing tasks (p < .01). In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in any outcome measures. These findings provide strong evidence that structured neuromuscular training programs effectively target biomechanical deficits commonly observed in female athletes, which are closely linked to a heightened risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and other lower-limb injuries.

Neuromuscular training (NMT) serves not only as an effective injury-prevention strategy but also as a performance-enhancing intervention, optimizing athletic function in female multi-sport athletes. The findings have practical implications for coaches, strength and conditioning specialists, and sports medicine practitioners, highlighting the value of incorporating targeted NMT exercises into regular training routines. Future research should examine the long-term retention of neuromuscular adaptations, assess sport-specific performance outcomes, and evaluate whether these interventions lead to a measurable reduction in injury incidence.