The effect of neuromuscular training on static and dynamic balance and jump-landing mechanics in male soccer players prone to anterior cruciate ligament injury

Background and Aims: Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention programs are implemented to correct or eliminate risk factors and reduce the incidence of injury. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of neuromuscular training on static and dynamic balance and jump-landing mechanics in male soccer players prone to anterior cruciate ligament injury. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental research, 24 male soccer players prone to anterior cruciate ligament injury were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two experimental groups (12 people) and control groups (12 people). before the start of neuromuscular training, static and dynamic balance and jump-landing mechanics were evaluated for all the subjects. The members of the experimental group participated in the neuromuscular training program for six weeks (3 sessions per week). after the end of the training, all the subjects were evaluated again. Data were analyzed with Shapiro-Wilk statistical tests, analysis of covariance and paired t test using SPSS 22 software (P≤0.05). Results: In this study, among 24 male soccer players prone to anterior cruciate ligament injury, 12 performed neuromuscular training for 6 weeks. The results showed that the static balance (P=0.001), dynamic balance (P=0.001) and jump-landing mechanics (P=0.002) in the experimental group after performing neuromuscular exercises improved significantly compared to the control group. (P≤0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of the research, the use of neuromuscular exercises can be recommended in order to improve the static and dynamic balance and landing jump mechanics and finally to prevent anterior cruciate ligament damage.