Effect of neuromuscular training augmented with knee valgus control instructions on lower limb biomechanics of male runners

Objective: To examine if combining neuromuscular training (NMT) with knee valgus control instructions (VCIs) can affect lower limb biomechanics and injury incidence in male novice runners and assess over 1-year follow-up. Design: Controlled laboratory Study. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: 60 male novice runners randomly assigned into NMT (n = 20), NMT plus VCIs (n = 20), and sham (n = 20). Main outcome measures: Kinematic and kinetic were measured at pre- and post-test and 1-year follow-up. Injury incidence assessed at pre-test and 1-year follow up. Results: There were significant between-group differences in kinetics after 6 weeks in NMT plus VCIs group. No significant differences were observed between NMT and NMT plus VCIs in kinematic variables. No significant change was seen in the sham in all variables. At 1-year follow-up, the minimal changes were seen in kinetic variables. Reduction reported running-related injuries were 31.58% in the NMT alone group, 65.52% in NMT plus VCIs group. In sham, it increased to 13.46%. Conclusions: NMT plus VCIs was effective to reduce kinetics and improve kinematics in novice runners. Also, it could reduce injury incidence. This protocol may be an option for both athletic trainers and coaches for preventing of lower limbs' injury in male runners. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.