Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences
Volume 25, Issue 4 (7-2026)
JRUMS 2026, 25(4): 361-380 |
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Ethics code: IR.PNU.REC.1400.194
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Mohammadpour F, Maghaddasi A, Momeni S. The Effect of Neuromuscular Training on Balance, Performance, and Jump–Landing Patterns in Adolescent Female Soccer Players with Dynamic Knee Valgus: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JRUMS 2026; 25 (4) :361-380
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7977-en.html
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7977-en.html
Payame Noor University
Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries, Neuromuscular training, Athletic performance, Soccer, Adolescent
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The Effect of Neuromuscular Training on Balance, Performance, and Jump–Landing Patterns in Adolescent Female Soccer Players with Dynamic Knee Valgus: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Fatemeh Mohammadpour[1], Afshin Maghaddasi[2], Somayeh Momeni[3]
Received: 22/04/26 Sent for Revision: 03/06/26 Received Revised Manuscript: 06/07/26 Accepted: 08/07/26
Background and Objectives: Lower extremity injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, are common among adolescent female soccer players, and dynamic knee valgus has been identified as a major risk factor. This study aimed to determine the effects of neuromuscular training on balance, functional performance, and jump–landing mechanics in adolescent female soccer players with dynamic knee valgus.
Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Forty female soccer players aged 14–17 years with dynamic knee valgus were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The intervention group completed an 8-week neuromuscular training program (three sessions per week) consisting of strengthening, balance, core stability, and plyometric exercises, whereas the control group continued their usual activities. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test, lower extremity performance using the single-leg triple hop, lateral hop, and figure-of-eight hop tests, and landing mechanics using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: Following the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in all Y Balance Test directions and the composite score compared with the control group (P<0.001). Performance in all hop tests also improved significantly (P<0.001). In addition, the LESS score was significantly reduced (P<0.001), indicating improved landing mechanics.
Conclusion: Neuromuscular training improved dynamic balance, enhanced hop performance, and optimized landing mechanics, suggesting that it may improve motor control and reduce injury risk factors in adolescent female soccer players with dynamic knee valgus.
Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries, Neuromuscular training, Athletic performance, Soccer, Adolescent
Funding: This study did not receive any funds.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical Considerations (Code of Ethics): The Ethics Committee of Payame Noor University approved the study (IR.PNU.REC.1400.194).
Authors’ contributions
- Conceptualization: Fatemeh Mohammadpour, Afshin Maghaddasi
- Methodology: Fatemeh Mohammadpour, Afshin Maghaddasi
- Data collection: Fatemeh Mohammadpour
- Formal analysis: Somayeh Momeni
- Supervision: Afshin Maghaddasi, Somayeh Momeni
- Project administration: Afshin Maghaddasi
- Writing – original draft: Afshin Maghaddasi
- Writing – review & editing: Fatemeh Mohammadpour, Afshin Maghaddasi, Somayeh Momeni
Fatemeh Mohammadpour[1], Afshin Maghaddasi[2], Somayeh Momeni[3]
Received: 22/04/26 Sent for Revision: 03/06/26 Received Revised Manuscript: 06/07/26 Accepted: 08/07/26
Background and Objectives: Lower extremity injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, are common among adolescent female soccer players, and dynamic knee valgus has been identified as a major risk factor. This study aimed to determine the effects of neuromuscular training on balance, functional performance, and jump–landing mechanics in adolescent female soccer players with dynamic knee valgus.
Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Forty female soccer players aged 14–17 years with dynamic knee valgus were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The intervention group completed an 8-week neuromuscular training program (three sessions per week) consisting of strengthening, balance, core stability, and plyometric exercises, whereas the control group continued their usual activities. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test, lower extremity performance using the single-leg triple hop, lateral hop, and figure-of-eight hop tests, and landing mechanics using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: Following the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in all Y Balance Test directions and the composite score compared with the control group (P<0.001). Performance in all hop tests also improved significantly (P<0.001). In addition, the LESS score was significantly reduced (P<0.001), indicating improved landing mechanics.
Conclusion: Neuromuscular training improved dynamic balance, enhanced hop performance, and optimized landing mechanics, suggesting that it may improve motor control and reduce injury risk factors in adolescent female soccer players with dynamic knee valgus.
Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries, Neuromuscular training, Athletic performance, Soccer, Adolescent
Funding: This study did not receive any funds.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical Considerations (Code of Ethics): The Ethics Committee of Payame Noor University approved the study (IR.PNU.REC.1400.194).
Authors’ contributions
- Conceptualization: Fatemeh Mohammadpour, Afshin Maghaddasi
- Methodology: Fatemeh Mohammadpour, Afshin Maghaddasi
- Data collection: Fatemeh Mohammadpour
- Formal analysis: Somayeh Momeni
- Supervision: Afshin Maghaddasi, Somayeh Momeni
- Project administration: Afshin Maghaddasi
- Writing – original draft: Afshin Maghaddasi
- Writing – review & editing: Fatemeh Mohammadpour, Afshin Maghaddasi, Somayeh Momeni
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Citation: Mohammadpour F, Maghaddasi A, Momeni S. The Effect of Neuromuscular Training on Balance, Performance, and Jump–Landing Patterns in Adolescent Female Soccer Players with Dynamic Knee Valgus: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2026; 25 (4): 361-80. doi: 10.66224/jrums.25.4.361. [Farsi].
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[1]- Master of sports injury and corrective exercises, Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
[2]- Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
ORCID: 0000-0002-8500-1613
Corresponding author: Tel: 09189432264, E-mail: moghadasi@pnu.ac.ir
ORCID: 0000-0002-8500-1613
Corresponding author: Tel: 09189432264, E-mail: moghadasi@pnu.ac.ir
[3]- Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
تربيت بدني
Received: 2026/04/30 | Accepted: 2026/09/16 | Published: 2026/07/31
Received: 2026/04/30 | Accepted: 2026/09/16 | Published: 2026/07/31
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