Physiotherapy Program Effect on Musculoskeletal Dysfunctions in Young Football Players

Neurophysiology-based Physiotherapy Program Effect on Selected Musculoskeletal Dysfunctions in Young Football Players

The goal of this clinical study is to test the proposed physiotherapy exercise program in young football players. The main question it aims to answer is:

- Does the proposed physiotherapy program work well in improving young football players movement apparatus functions?

Participants will be asked to fill out questionaires about their musculoskeletal health, physical activity and foot wear and follow the 8 weeks of the group exercise program of 16 sessions in total (2 sessions per week, 30 minutes each session).

Researcher will compare exercising participants with no exercising participants of the same age and football category to see if the exercise program works well in young football players.

The clinical trial aims to evaluate the short and long term effect of proposed neurophysiology-based physiotherapy program (NPP) on selected functional variables of the lower body in young football players, using clinical and laboratory diagnostic methods. Participants will be randomly assigned into one of the two groups: experimental (following 8 weeks of the intervention program) and control group (not changing the movement habits). Proposed NPP combines techniques and concepts based on neurophysiology principles and developmental kinesiology: sensorimotor stimulation and foot exercises, balance training, trunk stabilisation exercise in developmental kinesiology positions. Participants will exercise in small group twice a week in total of 16 sessions, 30 minutes each of session, under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist. NPP is designed as a step by step progressive exercise program with focus on quality of neuromuscular control. Whole program is implemented into the standard football training process. Data will be obtained pre- (at baseline) and post-intervention (in 2 months and in 5 months) and compared to control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• participants playing football at sub- to elite level

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute infectious disease or fever
• any serious cardiological, neurological, or orthopedic diseases
• acute pain
• injury in the last 3 months
• currently undergoing any other kind of physiotherapy or treatment
• missing two or more sessions of the intervention program