Safety and Effectiveness of a Perturbation-based Neuromuscular Training Program on Dynamic Balance in Adolescent Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Alison Bulow, Judith E Anderson, Jeff R S Leiter and 2 others
PMID 34386279WHAT IT FOUND
A five-week perturbation training program was safe for adolescent females but did not improve dynamic balance, strength, proprioception, or flexibility compared to normal activity.
The primary outcome was null.
Key findings
01The training program was safe, with no participants reporting pain, swelling, or instability during the exercises or at follow-up.
02There were no clinically significant differences between the training and control groups for dynamic balance in any direction.
03Strength, proprioception, and flexibility measures showed no significant effect from the training program.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample size for the ACL-injured group was very small (10 participants), limiting the power to detect differences in this specific population. The Y-Balance Test protocol used was designed for adults, which may not be optimal for adolescents. The study did not measure subjective outcomes like confidence or quality of life, which participants reported improving.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that neuromuscular training is ineffective for adolescent females. This study tested perturbation training in isolation, whereas previous research suggests combining it with other exercises like plyometrics may be more effective.