The effect of the neuromuscular, strength and combined training on balance and performance in female basketball players

Abstract

Objective: This investigation aimed to compare the effect of neuromuscular, strength and combined training on dynamic balance and sports performance including sprint, agility and power abilities in female basketball players. Method: In this semi-experimental study, 42 female professional basketball players (age 19-25 years) were assigned to three groups (neuromuscular (NM), strength (ST), and combined training (CM)) and one control group. The Multivariate analysis of the variance (MANOVA) test was used to compare between groups’ data. Dynamic balance and performance measurements (vertical jump, agility and sprint) of athletes were assessed before and after six weeks’ intervention by star excursion balance test (SEBT), Sargent vertical jump device, Shuttle Run device and sprint 27-meter test. Result: Results of the MANOVA test showed all between-group differences for dynamic balance, sprint and agility were just significant between the control group with NM, ST and CM groups (P≤0.05), in addition, the CM group was different significantly between NM and ST groups (P≤0.05). Balance and high jump within-group differences showed a significant increase in NM, ST and CM groups in the high jump variable (P≤0.05). for sprint and agility, within-group results showed a significant decrease in NM, ST and CM groups (P≤0.05). Besides the larger effect size was seen in the combined group for all variables. Conclusion: It seems that neuromuscular, strength and combined training are similarly effective in improving the balance and functional performance of female basketball athletes. and there is not a significant difference between them.