Neuromuscular Training Effects on Athletes’ Jumping and Lower Limb Injury: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of integrated neuromuscular training (INT) on athletes’ jumping performance and lower limb injury prevention. A thorough search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library, identified a sample of 19,805 athletes aged between 8.5 and 27.7 years. Results showed that INT led to a significant improvement in jumping ability (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI 0.30–0.60, P = 0.000) and a reduction in lower limb injuries (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI 0.62–0.74, P = 0.000). The most effective interventions lasted at least 25 minutes, conducted 2-5 times per week, for a minimum of 9 weeks. This approach was particularly beneficial for children and adolescents, as it enhanced their countermovement jump (CMJ) ability and helped in the prevention of injuries.

Keywords:

• integrated neuromuscular training
• athletes
• jumping performance
• lower limb injuries
• injury prevention

AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS

Z.K. and J.S. mainly wrote the first draft. Y.Z. is primarily responsible for data collection and processing. All authors have approved the final version to be published.

CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION

All authors gave consent for the publication.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

All data and materials can be accessed by contacting the first author.

Additional information

Funding

There was no funding for this investigation.