Effects of neuromuscular training on proprioception and muscular reaction time in older woman: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

this study aimed analyze the effects of a neuromuscular training program compared to a multicomponent training program on proprioception and muscle reaction time in older woman.

Material and methods

Randomized controlled trial, included 54 older women randomized into 3 groups: multicomponent group (MCG), neuromuscular group (NMG), and control group (CG). Proprioception was assessed using the active repositioning test in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee joints. The muscular reaction time of the peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medialis were evaluated. MCG carried out a multicomponent training program and, NMG realized neuromuscular training program plus the multicomponent training.

Results

A significant time × group interaction was observed in proprioception the shoulder joints (F = 7.57; p = 0.003; ηp² = 0.255), hip joints (F = 10.2; p = < 0.001; ηp² = 0.258) and knee (F = 7.12; p = 0.004; ηp² = 0.244) and reaction time of the peroneus longus (F = 13.7; p = < 0.001; ηp² = 0.378), tibialis anterior (F = 8.14; p = 0.002; ηp² = 0.246) and gastrocnemius medial (F = 7.86; p = 0.003; ηp² = 0.263). Multiple comparisons showed that there are significant improvements between the pre-and post-assessment of the NMG in proprioception and muscle reaction time.

Conclusions

Neuromuscular training program enhances the effects of multicomponent training and should be included in the physical activity programs of older people.