To evaluate the effects of 8-week integrated neuromuscular training (INT) and traditional physical training on correcting lower limb functional asymmetry and improving balance ability in military personnel. Twenty military academy cadets were randomly assigned to the INT group (n = 10) or the traditional physical training group (n = 10). The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 70–90 min. Lower limb asymmetry index was calculated through single-leg vertical jump, forward jump, and lateral jump tests, and balance ability was assessed using the Y-balance test at three time points: before the intervention, after 4 weeks of intervention, and after 8 weeks of intervention. There were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (p > 0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant interaction effect (p 0.05). In terms of balance ability, the composite score of the INT group increased from 96.91 ± 5.89 to 101.55 ± 5.55 (Holm-corrected repeated-measures ANOVA interaction, P < 0.01), which was significantly higher than that of the traditional physical training group (98.83 ± 3.85 after 8 weeks, ANCOVA, P = 0.02). No adverse events occurred in any of the tests. Eight weeks of integrated neuromuscular training can effectively improve lower limb functional asymmetry and significantly enhance balance ability in military personnel. This training program can be used as an evidence-based intervention for military physical training and is conducive to reducing the risk of training injuries caused by asymmetry. NCT06663371, Registration Date: 22/10/2024.
Jiang et al. (Sat,) studied this question.