The effect of pilates training on knee functional tests in youth female volleyball player.

Introduction: Knee ligament injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, are prevalent among athletes, especially females aged 15 to 25. This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-week Pilates training program on knee functional tests in youth female volleyball players, focusing on improving neuromuscular control and reducing injury risk.

Methods: Thirty female volleyball players were randomly assigned to either a Pilates training group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The Pilates group underwent three 50-minute sessions per week, focusing on core strength and stability. Functional assessments included the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and the tuck-jump test, conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Results: The Pilates training significantly reduced errors in the LESS (p = 0.001), overall tuck-jump assessment (p = 0.02), ligament dominance (p = 0.02), foot dominance (p = 0.03), and trunk dominance (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant interaction between groups and time for quadriceps dominance of tuck jump assessment (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The findings suggest that an 8-week Pilates training program effectively enhances knee functional performance and movement patterns in female athletes. Overall, the results support the incorporation of Pilates as a valuable component of athletic training programs aimed at improving knee function and preventing injuries in female athletes.