New researches in Islamic humanities studies

New researches in Islamic humanities studies

The effectiveness of eight weeks of integrated neuromuscular training on aerobic capacity, dynamic balance, and landing errors in male soccer players aged 18 to 20 years in Babol city.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD student in Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
10.22034/api.2026.2092153.1821
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of eight weeks of integrated neuromuscular training on aerobic capacity, dynamic balance, and landing errors in 18–20-year-old male football players in Babol, Iraq.
Method: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with a pretest–posttest design. Thirty football players were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group (15 participants in each group). The experimental group performed integrated neuromuscular training three sessions per week for eight weeks, while the control group continued their regular football training. Aerobic capacity was assessed using the 12‑minute Cooper test, dynamic balance using the Y‑Balance test, and landing quality using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: Following the intervention, the estimated maximal oxygen uptake in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, with an adjusted mean difference of 4.78 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.766). A significant reduction in resting heart rate was also observed. Dynamic balance improved with an adjusted mean difference of 35.9 cm (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.656). Additionally, the landing error score decreased by 1.55 points, indicating fewer movement errors and improved landing quality (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.492).
Conclusions: Integrated neuromuscular training can improve aerobic capacity, dynamic balance, and landing quality in young male football players. Incorporating this program into the team’s regular warm‑up routine may serve as a practical strategy for enhancing players’ physical fitness and motor control.
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