Integrative neuromuscular training and detraining in pre-adolescent basketball players

Abstract

Youth sports participation can promote better physical activity levels and motor competence (MC) in young populations. However, it shows risks of injury and burnout. Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) is presented as a training alternative capable of reducing the incidence of injury and improving MC in young athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of individualized INT as a warm-up in preadolescent basketball players on their acceleration, change of direction (COD), vertical jump (CMJ) and dynamic unipodal balance (SEBT). Subjects (143.37 ± 8.75 cm, 40.66 ± 7.65 kg; 10.08 ± 0.27 years) underwent 20 minutes of INT three days per week during six weeks, where strength, change of direction speed, plyometrics, balance and coordination were trained. Assessments were performed before the intervention (P1), after the intervention (P2), and after 3 weeks of detraining (P3). At P2, significant improvements were obtained in COD test, CMJ, and in the posterolateral direction of the right leg and in the posteromedial direction of the left leg in the SEBT test. At P3, significant improvements were maintained for CMJ and SEBT. An INT warm-up can affect improvements in COD, CMJ and some directions of SEBT in pre-adolescent basketball players.