TY - JOUR
T1 - Comparing the Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Traditional Physical Fitness Training on Physical Performance Outcomes in Young Athletes
T2 - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
AU - Wan, Ke Wen
AU - Dai, Zi Han
AU - Wong, Po San
AU - Ho, Robin Sze tak
AU - Tam, Bjorn T.
N1 - This study was funded by the Start-up Grant (162894) and Initiation Grant for Faculty Niche Research Area (160300), Hong Kong Baptist University
Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2025.
PY - 2025/2/8
Y1 - 2025/2/8
N2 - Background: Enhancing youth's physical fitness levels during childhood and adolescence through prior training programs can significantly optimize their athletic performance. The integrative neuromuscular training (INT) model is designed to improve neuromuscular function and prevent athletic injuries, and is superior to the traditional physical training method. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of INT versus traditional physical fitness training (PT) on physical performance-related outcomes in young athletes. Methods: Six online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO) searched from inception through 15 January 2024. Meta-analysis was performed when data were available from two or more trials. Physical performance-related outcomes were analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The certainty of evidence and quality of the included studies were rated using the GRADE scale and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool respectively. Results: Seventeen randomized controlled trials with 649 young athletes were included in the systematic review. Of those, 1 study showed a low risk of bias, 1 showed a high risk, and 15 showed some concerns. Compared to the PT group, INT significantly improved dynamic balance (MD = 7.29%, 95%CI 3.31 to 11.28, p < 0.001, I2 = 64.7%), static balance (SMD = −0.54, 95%CI −0.84 to −0.24, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), jumping performance (SMD = 0.53, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.73, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), sprinting capacity (SMD = −0.76, 95%CI −1.13 to −0.39, p < 0.001, I2 = 57.6%) and maximal strength (SMD = 1.01, 95%CI 0.35 to 1.67, p = 0.002, I2 = 81.9%%). No significant between-group differences were identified for agility and flexibility. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that INT has the potential to be an effective training method to improve physical performance in young athletes. Moreover, further research is needed to determine the effects and associated doses for young athletes of different age groups.
AB - Background: Enhancing youth's physical fitness levels during childhood and adolescence through prior training programs can significantly optimize their athletic performance. The integrative neuromuscular training (INT) model is designed to improve neuromuscular function and prevent athletic injuries, and is superior to the traditional physical training method. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of INT versus traditional physical fitness training (PT) on physical performance-related outcomes in young athletes. Methods: Six online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO) searched from inception through 15 January 2024. Meta-analysis was performed when data were available from two or more trials. Physical performance-related outcomes were analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The certainty of evidence and quality of the included studies were rated using the GRADE scale and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool respectively. Results: Seventeen randomized controlled trials with 649 young athletes were included in the systematic review. Of those, 1 study showed a low risk of bias, 1 showed a high risk, and 15 showed some concerns. Compared to the PT group, INT significantly improved dynamic balance (MD = 7.29%, 95%CI 3.31 to 11.28, p < 0.001, I2 = 64.7%), static balance (SMD = −0.54, 95%CI −0.84 to −0.24, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), jumping performance (SMD = 0.53, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.73, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), sprinting capacity (SMD = −0.76, 95%CI −1.13 to −0.39, p < 0.001, I2 = 57.6%) and maximal strength (SMD = 1.01, 95%CI 0.35 to 1.67, p = 0.002, I2 = 81.9%%). No significant between-group differences were identified for agility and flexibility. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that INT has the potential to be an effective training method to improve physical performance in young athletes. Moreover, further research is needed to determine the effects and associated doses for young athletes of different age groups.
KW - Integrative neuromuscular training
KW - Physical fitness training
KW - Physical performance
KW - Young athletes
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85218841362&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1186/s40798-025-00811-2
DO - 10.1186/s40798-025-00811-2
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:85218841362
SN - 2199-1170
VL - 11
JO - Sports Medicine - Open
JF - Sports Medicine - Open
IS - 1
M1 - 15
ER -