The effects of computerized neuromuscular control training (CNCT) on athelete's dynamic postural control ability

Abstract

Balance is an important element of almost all sports activities and activity daily living (ADL). Balance can be measured based on individual postural control which consisted of static, semi-dynamic and dynamic. These aspects were controlled by neuromuscular and reduction in the neuromuscular ability due to injury such as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) may alter the postural control ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of neuromuscular control training on athletes with PFPS. In this study, there were 27 athletes with PFPS (male = 22, female = 5; mean age = 14.59 ± 1.28 years, height = 161.96 ± 7.85 cm, weight = 54.93 ± 11.42 kg and Body Mass Index (BMI = 20.65 ± 2.20) voluntarily took part in 8-week of computerized neuromuscular control training (CNCT) program. The Y-Balance Test was used for assessment of athlete's dynamic postural control (DPC). A doubly multivariate analysis of variance was performed on two measures of the test (pre and post-test) over three (3) dynamic postural control (DPC) characteristics between groups. This analysis was performed in order to identify the interaction and main effects of the intervention (CNCT) to participant's dynamic postural control (DPC). An 8-week of computerized neuromuscular control training (CNCT) program resulted significant changes in all aspects of dynamic postural control (DPC). It showed that CNCT program significantly enhanced athlete with PFPS's DPC ability in terms of anterior (F(1,25) = 14.037, p = .001, ή = .260), posteriolateral direction (F(1,25) = 13.774, p =.001, ή =.355) and posteriomedial direction (F(1,25) = 11.318, p =.002, ή =.312). This study suggested the physician and coaches should emphasize more on neuromuscular training for athlete's with PFPS since the PFPS may reduce the athlete's performance especially in sports that require dynamic postural control.