The Effect of Neuromuscular Exercise on Postural Control and Functional Performance in Female Taekwondo Players with Functional Ankle Instability

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Physiology and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Science, Shomal University, Amol, Iran

2 Department of Motor Behavior and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

10.30476/whb.2026.107915.1366

Abstract

Background: Functional ankle instability (FAI), a common complication after ankle sprain in Taekwondo players, is associated with some postural control problems. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular exercise program on dynamic postural control and functional performance in female Taekwondo players with functional ankle instability.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study recruited a convenience sample of thirty female Taekwondo athletes in Babol, Mazandaran Province, Iran from April to May 2024. The study participants were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: a neuromuscular exercise program (NEP) group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). NEP included upper and lower balance, strength, proprioception and hop exercises. The exercise program was performed three times weekly, for eight weeks. Medio-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) center of pressure (COP) sway area, time to stabilization (TTS), and functional performance were assessed before and after the intervention using the single-leg hop (SLH) and triple hop (TRH) tests. Center of pressure (COP) data were recorded using a Kistler force plate. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was employed to analyze within-group and between-group differences.
Results: Mean displacement of medio-lateral (108.40±22.79 vs 142.80±34.13, P=0.001) and anterior-posterior (288.06±72.17 Vs 349.60±114.95, P=0.001) of center of pressure significantly decreased in the exercise group after neuromuscular exercise program compared with the control group. Also, time to stabilization significantly decreased in medio-lateral (1.21±0.1 Vs 1.64±0.21, P=0.001) and anterior-posterior (0.87±0.09 Vs 1.05±0.25, P=0.006) directions in the exercise group compared with the control group.
Conclusions: Eight weeks of neuromuscular exercise program decreased center of pressure sway area and time to stabilization in female Taekwondo players with functional ankle instability. Taekwondo is a postural stability and balance-demanding sport; therefore, it is crucial for coaches to incorporate neuromuscular exercise program in the training sessions.

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Komeil Dashti Rostami: (Google Scholar)

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