Neuromuscular Training - Best Technique to Prevent Sports Injuries
The sports statistics of last 30 years show that there is huge increase in the nomeber of women who get into sports. The increase is 10 times at high school level and 5 times at college level. Along with the rise in women participation in sports, there is also a rise in number of sportswomen suffering from sports injuries.
Several research studies show that the number of sportswomen suffering from ACL injuries rose to 4-6 times, compared to sportsmen. This puts female athletes at disadvantages like - being sidelined from sports, no sports scholarships, decline in sports performance and risk of osteoarthritis. The official statistics say that health care cost may go up to upwards of $625 million.
Women players of basketball and soccer are found to be at more risk of ACL injuries. The hormonal changes and landing with more inward collapse of the knees are considered as the major causes for this high prevalence.
The fitness experts propose various solutions like plyometrics and technique training Though strength and balance training are the most effective options they work well only when adapted along with other training techniques.
Dr. Hewett, Orthopaedic research scientist, concluded “neuromuscular training” as the best technique to prevent ACL injuries after conducting a meta-analysis of six studies.
As part of neuromuscular training, a coach or trainer analyzes an athlete’s movements. After careful and in-depth observation of the athlete’s movements the trainer gives feedback on the positions and techniques. This expert feedback helps the athlete know where she is going wrong, and learn the proper positions and movements. Then, the athlete can make helpful modifications.
Dr Hewitt suggests female athletes to follow off-season and pre-season conditioning programs to effectively prevent sports injuries. A training program can be highly effective only when it combines high intensity jumping exercises and movement and core strengthening, along with balance, resistance and speed training.