Safety and Effectiveness of a Perturbation-based Neuromuscular Training Program on Dynamic Balance in Adolescent Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Adolescent females are at much greater risk for ACL injury than their male counterparts when participating in the same sports. Preventative and pre-operative rehabilitation neuromuscular (NM) exercise programs are often recommended to improve knee function and reduce injury rates. The effectiveness of perturbation-based NM training program has been established in an adult population but has yet to be investigated in the at-risk adolescent female population. PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of a perturbation-based NM exercise program in a group of physically active adolescent females. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy and an exploratory group of 10 ACL-injured females (ages 12-18) were equally randomized into a perturbation-based NM training or control group and evaluated before and after a five-week intervention period. The primary outcome of dynamic balance was measured using the Y-Balance test (YBT); secondary outcome measures included lower limb strength, proprioception, and flexibility. RESULTS: The perturbation-based NM training intervention was safely completed by all participants but had no significant effect on YBT scoring, lower limb strength, proprioception or flexibility in either the healthy or ACL-injured groups. CONCLUSIONS: Perturbation-based NM training is safe, but may offer little preventative benefit for healthy or pre-operative rehabilitation benefit for ACL-injured adolescent females. Future research should examine whether the effectiveness of perturbation-based NM training is influenced by the length of the training intervention, training intensity, or when it is combined with other forms of prophylactic or pre-surgical rehabilitation frequently used with at-risk adolescent females who regularly participate in sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.