The impact of neuromuscular exercise and Ca-Mg-Zn supplementation on ankle and knee injuries among taekwondo athletes

Objectives: This study explored the impact of neuromuscular training (NMT) and Ca-Mg-Zn supplementation on ankle and knee injuries among taekwondo athletes. Design: Randomized control trial Setting: Sadra club in Iran Participants: sixty elite male participants were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 15), an NME group (n = 15), a Ca-Mg-Zn (CMZ) group (n = 15), and an NME+CMZ group. Main Outcome: Ankle and knee injuries Measures: All participants were assessed respecting ankle and knee injuries using clinical examination, radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Results: All sixty participants experienced 111 ankle and knee injuries during the study. The most prevalent injuries were patellofemoral syndrome and ligament sprain or tear in the NME group (40%), ligament sprain or tear in the CMZ group (46.7%), twisted ankle in the NME+CMZ group (26.7%), and patella fracture, twisted ankle, and twisted knee in the control group (40%). The total prevalence of injuries in the NME+CMZ group (15.31%) was less than the NME (32.43%), CMZ (21.62%), and control (30.63%) groups, though the among-group difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Combined NME+CMZ intervention is more effective than NME and CMZ interventions in reducing ankle and knee injuries among taekwondo athletes.