102. Fitness Assessment, Exercise Training, and Performance of Athletes and Healthy People - exercise training interventions in healthy people Scientific Abstract

3228 - Neuromuscular Training Intervention Developed To Combat The Effects Of Acute Fatigue In Collegiate Pivoting Athletes

Session Type
Free Communication/Poster
Session Name
F-54 - Training
Session Category Text
Fitness Assessment, Exercise Training, and Performance of Athletes and Healthy People
Disclosures
 J. Harpine: None.

Abstract

Purpose: A large body of evidence has mounted supporting the efficacy of neuromuscular training (NMT) for prevention of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Incorporation of NMT with athletes has been shown to improve biomechanics during dynamic pivoting movements. However, there is a lack of literature to date examining the influence of NMT on biomechanical measures during dynamic movements in a state of acute fatigue. This study examined strength, dynamic balance, and lower quarter biomechanics while performing functional movements succeeding a short-term fatigue protocol in collegiate soccer athletes before and after an eight-week NMT intervention. Methods: 28 Division II NCAA male and female soccer players ages 18-23 participated in the study. Hip strength was measured with hand dynamometry and single-leg stance modified balance (SLSM) was measured with eyes shut and in static heel rise. The Noraxon MyoMotion system assessed peak hip and knee excursion in three dimensions during select movement assessments following execution of the functional agility short-term fatigue protocol. Training consisted of 16 NMT sessions, performed over eight weeks, following which the tests were repeated. Results: Improvements post-intervention were found in hip abduction strength L (p=0.015), hip extension strength R  (p=0.031) and L (p=0.013); SLSM with eyes-closed on R (p=0.000) and L (p=0.000); SLSM with heel rise bilaterally (p=0.000 ); peak ROM for L hip abduction (p=.025), R knee flexion (p=0.002), and L knee flexion (p=0.006) during single-leg squat; peak ROM for R hip flexion (p=0.033) during bilateral squat; peak ROM for L hip flexion (p=0.045) and L knee flexion (p=0.000) during single-leg jump assessment and peak ROM for R knee flexion (p=0.029) and L knee flexion (p=0.045) during bilateral jump. Conclusions: Following the NMT intervention, proximal hip strength, dynamic balance, and functional loading capacity significantly improved, illustrating positive neuromuscular adaptations in the lower quarter and nervous system. Enhanced kinematics during select sport-specific movement assessments were evident by the MyoMyotion system following a fatigue protocol, defending the hypothesis that NMT can improve lower extremity biomechanics of collegiate pivoting athletes while acutely fatigued.
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