Athletic Performance and Injury Risk, Sports Injuries
Conditions
Keywords
Neuromuscular training, Landing error, Anthrpometry, Volleyball athlete, jumping task
Brief summary
Background Volleyball is a sport that requires frequent jumping, landing, rapid movements, and changes in direction. During a match, players repeatedly perform actions such as spikes, blocks, and quick defensive movements. Because of these repetitive high-impact movements, volleyball players are at risk of lower-limb injuries, especially to the knees, ankles, and hips. Many injuries occur when athletes land incorrectly after jumping, when muscles are not strong enough, or when the body's balance and coordination are not optimal. Poor movement control during landing can place excessive stress on the joints and surrounding tissues. For this reason, improving the way athletes jump, land, and control their movements is very important for both performance and injury prevention. Purpose of the Study The main purpose of this study was to determine whether an 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training program could improve the following aspects in male volleyball athletes: Anthropometric profile, Jump-landing mechanics, Vertical jump height. Male volleyball athletes volunteered to participate in this research. All participants were active players who regularly took part in volleyball training and competitions. Integrated Neuromuscular Training (INT) is a structured exercise approach designed to improve the coordination between the muscular system and the nervous system. In simple terms, it helps the body learn how to move more efficiently, safely, and powerfully. The training program used in this study included a combination of exercises such as strength training to improve muscle power and joint stability, balance and stability exercises to enhance body control, plyometric exercises. This study used a single-blind pretest-posttest design. Pretest: The athletes were evaluated before the training program started. Training period: The participants completed the 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training program. Posttest: After the training program, the same measurements were taken again.
Detailed description
Volleyball players frequently perform jumping and landing movements during actions such as spiking, blocking, and serving. Improper landing techniques and weak muscle coordination can increase the risk of injuries, particularly to the knee, ankle, and lower back. This study aims to determine whether an 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training (INT) program can improve: Body measurements such as weight and muscle composition Jumping ability (vertical jump height) Landing technique and movement control Improving these factors may help athletes perform better and reduce the risk of injury. Integrated Neuromuscular Training combines several types of exercises designed to improve how muscles and the nervous system work together. The training program includes Strength exercises, balance training, Plyometric exercises, Coordination and agility drills. Participants in this study are: Male volleyball athletes, physically active and currently involved in volleyball training, Free from serious injuries that prevent exercise participation. The exercises are similar to normal volleyball training activities, so risks are minimal. Possible minor risks like temporary muscle soreness, mild fatigue. To reduce risks all exercises will be supervised by trained professionals, proper warm-up and cool-down routines will be established. Participants will complete an 8-week training program designed to improve neuromuscular control. Step 1: Initial Assessment (Pre-Test) of Body composition measurements, Vertical jump height, Jump and landing movement analysis. Step 2: Training Program (8 Weeks) Participants will perform the Integrated Neuromuscular Training program several times per week under supervision. The training will focus on improving: Muscle strength, Balance and coordination, Proper jump and landing technique. Step 3: Final Assessment (Post-Test) After completing the 8-week training program, the same tests will be repeated to determine whether there were improvements in Body composition, Jump height and Landing mechanics. The results of this study may help: Volleyball players improve performance safely Physiotherapists and sports trainers develop better training programs Coaches design safer conditioning programs
Interventions
1. Training Frequency and Duration Program duration: 8 weeks Training frequency: 3 sessions per week Session duration: 45-60 minutes per session Total sessions: Approximately 24 sessions 2. Structure of Each Training Session Dynamic Warm-Up (10-12 minutes) Balance and Stability Training (8-10 minutes) Strength Training (10-15 minutes) Plyometric Training (10-15 minutes) Agility and Coordination Training (8-10 minutes) Cool-Down and Flexibility (5-8 minutes)
OTHERTraditional Volleyball training
Training Structure Duration: 8 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week Session duration: 60 minutes Total sessions: 24 sessions Session Components 1. Warm-Up (10-12 minutes) 2. Volleyball Technical Skill Training (20-25 minutes) 3. Tactical and Game-Based Training (15-20 minutes) 4. General Physical Conditioning (10-12 minutes) 5. Cool-Down (5-8 minutes)
Sponsors
INTI International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* subjects with one year of playing experience * least Subjects training twice per week
Exclusion criteria
* Any previous history of lower limb injury in the past 6 months * Any surgery performed in the lower extremity * Other vestibular and neurological disorders
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body Weight | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | Measured using a calibrated digital weighing scale Unit: Kilograms (kg) Procedure: Participants will be measured barefoot and in light clothing. They will stand upright at the center of the weighing scale platform without support, with weight evenly distributed on both feet. The measurement will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 kg. The scale will be calibrated prior to data collection. |
| Landing Mechanics | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | The LESS evaluates movement quality during a jump-landing task. It helps clinicians and researchers identify errors such as: Poor knee alignment, Excessive trunk movement, Limited knee or hip flexion, Asymmetrical landing, Improper foot placement. Higher LESS scores indicate more movement errors and potentially greater injury risk. |
| Height | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | Assessment method: Measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer Unit: Meters (m) Procedure: Participants will stand barefoot with heels together, back straight, and head positioned in the Frankfort horizontal plane. The heels, buttocks, shoulders, and head will be in contact with the stadiometer where possible. The headpiece will be lowered to rest firmly on the crown of the head. Height will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm and converted to meters. |
| Body Mass Index | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated using the formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m²). |
| Body Fat Percentage (%) | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Participants will be assessed in a supine position. Surface electrodes will be placed on the hand and foot according to manufacturer guidelines. A low-level electrical current will be passed through the body, and body fat percentage will be estimated using impedance values. |
| Lean Mass Percentage (%) | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Using the same electrode placement and testing position, lean body mass percentage will be derived from impedance measurements through built-in predictive equations of the device. |
| Total Body Water (%) | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Total body water will be estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis using standard equations embedded in the device, with participants positioned supine and electrodes placed on the hand and foot. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jump Height | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | The Vertec is a widely used instrument in sports science and athletic performance testing to measure vertical jump height. The athlete stands directly under the Vertec. Feet are placed approximately shoulder-width apart. The athlete performs a countermovement jump, bending the knees and hips before jumping. During the jump, the athlete reaches upward with the dominant hand to strike the highest possible vane. The vane rotates upon contact, indicating the maximum jump reach. The athlete lands safely with both feet. Vertical Jump Height = Maximum Jump Reach - Standing Reach Height |
Countries
Malaysia
Outcome results
None listed