Augmenting rehabilitation of male volleyball players after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with Thera-band based neuromuscular training to improve balance and functional performance: a pilot randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Persistent neuromuscular deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) impair dynamic stability and sport-specific performance in volleyball athletes who rely on repetitive jumping and single-leg control. Reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) using TheraBand-mediated perturbations may enhance sensorimotor integration, yet evidence in male volleyball players during late-stage rehabilitation (6-12 months post-ACLR) remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of an eight-week TheraBand-based RNT program on dynamic balance and functional performance. Methods: -tests; between-group differences were examined using ANCOVA with baseline adjustment (α = 0.05). Results: = 0.174-0.243). Discussion: An eight-week TheraBand-based RNT program produced clinically meaningful short-term gains in balance and functional performance. These findings support integration of perturbation-based training into late-stage ACLR rehabilitation in male volleyball players, although longer-term studies are required to confirm retention and return-to-sport benefits.