Effectiveness of neuromuscular training program in young athletes suffering from lower lateral ankle ligament injury

Abstract

The perception and execution of musculoskeletal control and movement are mediated primarily by the central nervous system and involve the integration of three main subsystems: somatosensory, vestibular, and visual. Balance performance and its measurement are influenced by these sub-systems. This present study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of neuromuscular-controlled training exercises, comprising BOSU-ball balance training and conventional physiotherapy exercise training protocols, in terms of stability, balance, and proprioception in athletes diagnosed with lateral ligament injury of the ankle joint. The Y Balance test was used as a reliable and valid tool for quantitative balance assessment. Thirteen players (aged between 19 to 26 years, Mean age = 23.2; SD = 2.46) suffering from grade II & grade III lateral ligament injury were recruited from the OPD of the department of Orthopaedics of the Hospital of Universiti Sains Malaysia. All participants were subjected to pre-intervention or baseline assessments consisting of a of Y-balance test and assessment of proprioception employing Biodex 4 Isokinetic Equipment. Participants were then introduced to 12 sessions of a neuromuscular controlled training program (30 min/day; 2 days/wk. for 6 wk.). Findings of the study revealed that six weeks of neuromuscular exercises training significantly improved balance, with certain significant aspects of proprioception observed among young athletes diagnosed with ankle lateral ligament injury.