The effect of neuromuscular training program on landing position, balance, range of motion and strength of selected lower limb muscles in athletes with Dynamic Knee Valgus defect

Introduction and Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect and persistence of neuromuscular correction programs on landing position, static and dynamic balance in athletes with Dynamic Knee Valgus defects. Methods: The statistical population of this quasi-experimental study included teenagers athletes in soccer with dynamic knee valgus deformity who were purposefully selected and randomly assigned in two groups of control (Age: 12.50±0.67 years, height: 1.70±0.06 m, weight: 56.41±5.46 kg, body mass index: 19.49±1.57 kg/m2) and training (Age: 12.23±0.59 years, height: 1.67±0.10 m, weight: 53.07±8.96 kg, body mass index: 18.83±1.54 kg/m2). Dynamic knee valgus was assessed by squat test and valgus angle and knee flexion were assessed by landing-jump test using Quinoa software. Static and dynamic balance was assessed by the Bass Stick test and Y test. After evaluating the variables in the pre-test, the subjects in the exercise group performed neuromuscular exercises for 8 weeks and the control group participated in the team-specific physical fitness program only in this period. Results: The results in the training group showed that the neuromuscular correction program had a significant effect on variables (P≤0.01) except the knee flexion angle at the end of the descent (p=0.60). But the training results were not lasting after 1 month of untraining in variables Valgus at the moment of landing, static and dynamic balance. Also, the Bonferroni post hoc test results in variables (p≤0.01) except for knee flexion angle at the end of landing (p=0.14) showed a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on the results, the use of a neuromuscular correction program can be suggested as an effective program before puberty for teenage athletes in soccer with dynamic knee valgus of ankle origin.