Effects of an 8-week integrated neuromuscular training on lower limb functional asymmetry and balance in military personnel: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 8-week integrated neuromuscular training (INT) and traditional physical training on correcting lower limb functional asymmetry and improving balance ability in military personnel. METHODS: Twenty military academy cadets were randomly assigned to the INT group (n = 10) or the traditional physical training group (n = 10). The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 70-90 min. Lower limb asymmetry index was calculated through single-leg vertical jump, forward jump, and lateral jump tests, and balance ability was assessed using the Y-balance test at three time points: before the intervention, after 4 weeks of intervention, and after 8 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (p > 0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05). After 8 weeks of intervention, the vertical jump asymmetry index in the INT group significantly decreased from 6.47 ± 1.46 to 4.22 ± 1.93 (ANCOVA, P = 0.01), the forward jump asymmetry index decreased from 4.68 ± 2.12 to 1.67 ± 0.88 (Holm-corrected repeated-measures ANOVA interaction, P = 0.006), and the lateral jump asymmetry index decreased from 5.14 ± 2.20 to 2.01 ± 1.10 (Holm-corrected repeated-measures ANOVA interaction, P = 0.045), while there was no significant improvement in any of the asymmetry indices in the traditional physical training group (p > 0.05). In terms of balance ability, the composite score of the INT group increased from 96.91 ± 5.89 to 101.55 ± 5.55 (Holm-corrected repeated-measures ANOVA interaction, P < 0.01), which was significantly higher than that of the traditional physical training group (98.83 ± 3.85 after 8 weeks, ANCOVA, P = 0.02). No adverse events occurred in any of the tests. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of integrated neuromuscular training can effectively improve lower limb functional asymmetry and significantly enhance balance ability in military personnel. This training program can be used as an evidence-based intervention for military physical training and is conducive to reducing the risk of training injuries caused by asymmetry. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06663371, Registration Date: 22/10/2024.