Neuromuscular Effects of Coordinated Locomotor Training on Core Stability and Postural Control in Athletes

Neuromuscular Effects of Coordinated Locomotor Training on Static and Dynamic Core Stability and Postural Control in Novice Runners: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Core stability and postural control are essential for athletic performance. They affect how efficiently an athlete moves, maintains balance, and avoids injuries. However, researchers have not yet fully explored how coordinated locomotor training - a movement approach that uses walking patterns combined with sprinter and skater positions - changes the way an athlete's nerves and muscles work together. This study aims to compare the effects of coordinated locomotor training versus traditional plyometric exercises on core stability and balance control in novice runners.

The study will enroll 28 novice runners between 18 and 30 years of age. Participants must run less than 10 miles per week and have less than one year of consistent running experience. They will be randomly assigned to either the coordinated locomotor training group or the plyometric training group. The intervention lasts 8 weeks with two sessions per week. Each session runs for about 60 minutes. The researchers will measure core endurance using the Mcgill core endurance tests and the Sahrmann core stability test. Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test. Postural control will be evaluated using the Romberg test.

The researchers expect that athletes who undergo coordinated locomotor training will show greater improvements in core muscle activation and postural control compared to those who perform plyometric exercises. If proven effective, this training method could provide coaches and trainers with an evidence-based strategy to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risk.

Study Design:

This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The study will be conducted at the University of Faisalabad, Government College University of Faisalabad, and Agriculture University of Faisalabad. The study population consists of novice runners from these universities.

Sample Size and Sampling:

A total of 28 participants will be enrolled, as calculated using Epitool software.

Eligibility Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria: (1) Age between 18 and 30 years; (2) Running less than 10 miles per week; (3) Not participating in running sports (such as soccer) more than once per week; (4) Less than one year of consistent running experience; (5) Both male and female novice runners.

Exclusion Criteria: (1) History of musculoskeletal injury in the past six months; (2) Diagnosed neurological or vestibular disorders; (3) Presence of current pain, discomfort, or functional limitation during normal or athletic activities (4) Regular use of medications that affect neuromuscular performance, coordination, or balance; (5) Pregnant women.

Intervention Details:

Group A (Coordinated Locomotor Training):

Each session begins with a 5-minute warm-up to familiarize participants with the sprinter and skater techniques. Participants actively perform both movements in a standing position twice per week for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. Participants perform coordinated movement training in four positions: supine, crawling, sitting, and standing. Each position includes 10 repetitions per set, with 3 sets completed, taking approximately 30 minutes. The remaining time includes transition, rest, and cool-down activities.

Group B (Plyometric Training):

The warm-up consists of 2 series of 30 seconds of stimulation including 30 seconds of cool-down with multi-directional jumps. There is a 5-second interval between each jump . The plyometric training protocol consists of 6 series of squat jumps with 30 seconds of activation and 30 seconds of relaxation. There is a 2-second interval between each jump within each series. Participants jump onto a box with a height of 45 centimeters.

Outcome Measures and Assessment Tools:

Static Core Stability: Assessed using the Mcgill core endurance tests and the Sahrmann core stability test (5 levels).

Dynamic Core Stability and Postural Control: Assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Romberg test with eyes open and eyes closed conditions.

Randomization and Blinding:

Participants will be randomly assigned to either group using a computer-generated random sequence. The study is double-blind. Participants cannot be blinded due to the nature of the interventions.

Data Collection Procedure:

After obtaining informed consent, researchers will record baseline measurements for all outcome measures. The same measurements will be repeated at the end of the 8-week intervention period. All assessments will be conducted by trained physical therapists who are blinded to group allocation.

Statistical Analysis:

Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics will be calculated for demographic variables. Within-group comparisons will be performed using paired t-tests (if data are normally distributed) or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (if non-normal). Between-group comparisons will be performed using independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.

Ethical Considerations:

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Research Ethics/Technical Committee of the University of Faisalabad. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 30 years
• Running less than 10 miles (approximately 16 kilometers) per week
• Not participating in running sports (such as soccer, track, or cross-country) more than once per week
• Less than one year of consistent running experience
• Male and female novice runners
• Willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of musculoskeletal injury (including fractures, ligament tears, or muscle strains) in the past six months
• Diagnosed neurological disorders (such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease)
• Diagnosed vestibular disorders (such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or labyrinthitis)
• Presence of current pain, discomfort, or functional limitation during normal daily activities or athletic activities
• Presence of cardiovascular disorders (such as uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease) that restrict moderate to high intensity physical activity
• Presence of respiratory disorders (such as severe asthma or COPD) that restrict moderate to high intensity physical activity
• Regular use of medications that affect neuromuscular performance, coordination, or balance (including sedatives, muscle relaxants, or antiepileptic drugs)
• Pregnancy
• Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would preclude safe participation in exercise training