A randomized controlled study on the effect of 8-week integrative neuromuscular training on physical performance and technical proficiency in prepubertal badminton players

Background: The effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training (INT) on injury prevention in young populations are well-established, yet its impact on performance enhancement remains uncertain. Objective: This study investigates the effects of an 8-week INT program on physical performance and technical proficiency in prepubertal badminton players aged 9 to 11.Methods: Forty-four players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP) or a control group (CON). The EXP performed a specific INT program following a general warm-up, with three sessions per week for 8 weeks. The CON continued their regular training regimen. Both groups followed identical training protocols for the remainder of their sessions. Athletes' vertical jump, 10-m sprint, lateral agility, 20-m shuttle run, and backhand and forehand service performances were observed. Results: A significant group time interaction was detected across all tests conducted: vertical jump (F = 26.23, p < .001, ƞ2 = .38, large effect), 10-m sprint (F = 20.49, p < .001, ηp2 = .75, large effect), lateral agility (F = 41.34, p < .001, ηp2 = .49, large effect), 20-m shuttle run (F = 12.52, p < .001, ηp2 = .23, large effect), forehand long serve (F = 5.18, p = .02, ηp2 = .11, medium effect), and backhand short serve (F = 6.08, p = .01, ηp2 = .12, medium effect). Greater improvements were observed in all performance variables in the EXP compared to the CON. Conclusions: Compared to routine training, the 8-week INT program conducted three times per week produced large effects on physical performance and medium effects on technical proficiency in prepubertal badminton players. These findings suggest that INT is an effective training strategy during early developmental stages.