Integrative Neuromuscular Training in Young Athletes, Injury Prevention, and Performance Optimization: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence by assessing the effectiveness of integrative neuromuscular training programs in injury prevention and sports performance in young athletes. Different data sources were analyzed up to January 2018. Eligible studies contained information on population (young athletes), intervention (neuromuscular training), comparator (control group or another exercise intervention), outcomes (injury prevention or sport performance), and study design (randomized trials or prospective studies). The trials were restricted based on the language (English) and for publication date (after January 1st, 2007). Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included: Seven included dynamic stability-related outcomes. Three assessed the coordination performing fundamental movements and sport-specific skills, while other five studies analyzed muscle strength and two assessed plyometric tests. Agility was evaluated in three studies and speed tests were also considered by four studies. Finally, fatigue resistance in three studies and injury risk in four were assessed. This review provides evidence that integrative neuromuscular training programs can enhance performance and injury prevention in young athletes, taken into account that adherence to the training program is adequate. Collectively, well-designed, randomized studies are necessary to collaborate with the present findings.

Can the Neuromuscular Performance of Young Athletes Be Influenced by Hormone Levels and Different Stages of Puberty?

“…The quality of neuromuscular performance, especially of the upper and lower limbs, has been identified as a determinant for physical health and success in several sports skills [1,2]. However, several biological and environmental factors can interfere with the neuromuscular quality of skills that require the use of motor coordination and muscle strength [3][4][5]. At the biological level, we can highlight the puberty process, which is the triggering of improvements in neurological, muscular, skeletal, and endocrine systems [6].…”

“…Sex hormones, such as estradiol, testosterone, and growth hormone, have extremely important functions in human biological development, which can mainly affect morphological structure, skeletal growth, and muscle strength levels [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. In this context, among neuromuscular parameters, muscle strength and body speed are two of the most essential for body functionality in relation to physical health, and for the development of specific skills related to sports performance [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

Efectos de un entrenamiento neuromuscular sobre el equilibrio postural dinámico y propiocepción en basquetbolistas juveniles con inestabilidad funcional de tobillo (Effects of neuromuscular training on dynamic postural balance and proprioception in youth

“…Asimismo, en esta investigación se pudo observar que un entrenamiento neuromuscular promueve un cambio beneficioso del equilibrio postural. Dentro de este tipo de entrenamiento el trabajo de la estabilidad dinámica se transforma en un contenido esencial utilizado en la planificación de los programas de intervenciones neuromusculares (Sanudo et al, 2019). La evidencia respalda la necesidad de entrenar la estabilidad dinámica debido a las mejoras en el sistema sensoriomotor que permiten mejorar el control neuromuscular (Sanudo et al, 2019).…”

“…Dentro de este tipo de entrenamiento el trabajo de la estabilidad dinámica se transforma en un contenido esencial utilizado en la planificación de los programas de intervenciones neuromusculares (Sanudo et al, 2019). La evidencia respalda la necesidad de entrenar la estabilidad dinámica debido a las mejoras en el sistema sensoriomotor que permiten mejorar el control neuromuscular (Sanudo et al, 2019). El propósito de este mecanismo es estimular la actividad propioceptiva y dar retroalimentación a los centros integradores para generar respuestas musculares apropiadas (Mendez-Rebolledo et al, 2015).…”

Estudos em Avaliação e Maturação na Prática Esportiva de Jovens

“…A qualidade do desempenho neuromuscular, principalmente dos membros superiores e inferiores, tem sido identificada como fator determinante para a saúde física e o sucesso em diversas habilidades esportivas YANG et al, 2019). No entanto, diversos fatores biológicos e ambientais podem interferir na qualidade neuromuscular de habilidades que requerem o uso da coordenação motora e da força muscular (SAÑUDO et al, 2019;DICESARE et al, 2019). No nível biológico, pode-se destacar o processo de puberdade, que é o desencadeamento de melhorias nos sistemas neurológico, muscular, esquelético e endócrino (BRADLEY et al, 2020).…”