Assessment of Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training in Treatment of Lumbar Spine in Football Players

Assessment of Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training According to the Concept of Kinetic Control in Treatment of Lumbar Spine and Knee Pain and in Reduction of Risk of Injury in Female Football Players

The project aims to assess the effectiveness of neuromuscular training according to the concept of Kinetic Control (KC) in prevention and treatment of lumbar spine and knee pain and in reduction of risk of injury in female football players.

The study was designed as single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and conducted on a group of 18 female football players from University Club of the Academic Sports Association of Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska. Participants were randomly divided into two 9-person groups: A - used standard training and neuromuscular training (Kinetic Control) and B - used only standard training.

Main hypothesis:

The application of neuromuscular therapy (KC) reduces the risk of injuries and pain of the lumbar spine and the knee and improves the static and dynamic balance.

Research questions:

1. Will the application of the KC training reduce the risk and frequency of spine and knee injuries in females football players?
2. Will the KC training lead to reduction of the intensity of lumbar spine and knee pain?
3. Will the application of the KC training lead to increase in the torque strength of knee flexors and extensors and improved stability of the knee?
4. Will the application of the neuromuscular training (KC) lead to reduction of the disability level and improved functional level?

The research was conducted upon acquiring an approval of the Bioethical Commission of Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska, no. 3/2018.

The study was designed as single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and conducted on a group of 18 female football players from University Club of the Academic Sports Association of Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska. Participants were randomly divided into two 9-person groups: A - used standard training and neuromuscular training (Kinetic Control) and B - used only standard training.

None of the physiotherapists were personally involved in the preparation and the manner of performing the test. Before commencing the tests, each participant was familiarised with their course, expressed their informed written consent for the participation and random assignment to the specified tested group.

The random placement was performed with the use of computer software.

The players participate in two training cycles over a year: from July to December and from January to June. Therefore, the above mentioned training regime will be performed twice.

A medical interview takes place before the training cycle. Physical examination, back pain functional scale (BPFS) and tests on the dynamographic platform will be performed two times - before and after each season.

Inclusion Criteria:

• female players not taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least a week before the start of the study,
• written consent for the participation in the study.

Exclusion criteria:

• female players with acute inflammation (neuralgia) and massive intervertebral disk herniation requiring a surgery,
• female players who suffered from a lumbar spine and/or knee injury up to 6 months before the start of the study,
• female players with acute knee inflammation and after knee surgeries.