Can a neuromuscular training program change landing kinematics in young soccer players with dynamic valgus deficiency?

The rate of ACL injuries is increasing in young soccer players. One of the most important risk factors for ACL injuries is dynamic valgus during landing. Tuck jump and landing error scoring system (LESS) tests are two reliable and valid tests for identifying soccer players who are prone to ACL injuries. Therefore, using neuromuscular programs to address dynamic valgus and deficiencies which identify through these tests are necessary in order to prevent further injuries.This study aimed to investigate the effects of the “Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance” (PEP) program on dynamic valgus angle, tuck jump and LESS scores in ۱۳-year old soccer players.A total of ۱۲۸ soccer players were assessed for eligibility, and finally ۴۷ participants met the inclusion criteria. Participants were assessed with ۲D video analysis during the drop-jump test to assess the knee valgus angles and their performance on tuck jump and LESS tests were recorded. Then, participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (۲۳ players) or control group (۲۴ players). The intervention group used the PEP program as a warm-up for ۸ weeks while the control group performed its routine warm-up during this time. The PEP program is a neuromuscular training program that consists of a warm-up, stretching, strengthening, plyometrics, and sport-specific agilities to address potential deficits in the strength and coordination of stabilizing muscles around the knee joint. ANCOVA, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine the differences between groups.The outcome showed a significant difference in valgus angle (p = ۰.۰۰۱) between the intervention and control groups. Moreover, significant differences were evident between the intervention and control groups in LESS jump scores (p = ۰.۰۰۱). However, there were no significant differences in tuck jump scores (p > ۰.۰۵) between the intervention and control groups.This study demonstrated that neuromuscular training program was effective in reducing dynamic knee valgus angles and improving LESS scores in young soccer players, but it lacked power to change tuck jump scores.