Integrated Neuromuscular Training Improves Jump Height and Landing Mechanics in Male Volleyball Athletes

NCT07485348 | Enrolling By Invitation

• 1 other identifier: INTIIU/FHLSRCBPHTI1NY12025/007
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 38
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background Volleyball is a sport that requires frequent jumping, landing, rapid movements, and changes in direction. During a match, players repeatedly perform actions such as spikes, blocks, and quick defensive movements. Because of these repetitive high-impact movements, volleyball players are at risk of lower-limb injuries, especially to the knees, ankles, and hips. Many injuries occur when athletes land incorrectly after jumping, when muscles are not strong enough, or when the body's balance and coordination are not optimal. Poor movement control during landing can place excessive stress on the joints and surrounding tissues. For this reason, improving the way athletes jump, land, and control their movements is very important for both performance and injury prevention. Purpose of the Study The main purpose of this study was to determine whether an 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training program could improve the following aspects in male volleyball athletes: Anthropometric profile, Jump-landing mechanics, Vertical jump height. Male volleyball athletes volunteered to participate in this research. All participants were active players who regularly took part in volleyball training and competitions. Integrated Neuromuscular Training (INT) is a structured exercise approach designed to improve the coordination between the muscular system and the nervous system. In simple terms, it helps the body learn how to move more efficiently, safely, and powerfully. The training program used in this study included a combination of exercises such as strength training to improve muscle power and joint stability, balance and stability exercises to enhance body control, plyometric exercises. This study used a single-blind pretest-posttest design. Pretest: The athletes were evaluated before the training program started. Training period: The participants completed the 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training program. Posttest: After the training program, the same measurements were taken again.

Conditions

Sports Injuries; Athletic Performance and Injury Risk

Keywords

Neuromuscular training; Landing error; Anthrpometry; Volleyball athlete; jumping task

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (7)

• Body Weight

  Measured using a calibrated digital weighing scale Unit: Kilograms (kg) Procedure: Participants will be measured barefoot and in light clothing. They will stand upright at the center of the weighing scale platform without support, with weight evenly distributed on both feet. The measurement will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 kg. The scale will be calibrated prior to data collection.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Landing Mechanics

  The LESS evaluates movement quality during a jump-landing task. It helps clinicians and researchers identify errors such as: Poor knee alignment, Excessive trunk movement, Limited knee or hip flexion, Asymmetrical landing, Improper foot placement. Higher LESS scores indicate more movement errors and potentially greater injury risk.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Height

  Assessment method: Measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer Unit: Meters (m) Procedure: Participants will stand barefoot with heels together, back straight, and head positioned in the Frankfort horizontal plane. The heels, buttocks, shoulders, and head will be in contact with the stadiometer where possible. The headpiece will be lowered to rest firmly on the crown of the head. Height will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm and converted to meters.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Body Mass Index

  Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated using the formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m²).

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Body Fat Percentage (%)

  Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Participants will be assessed in a supine position. Surface electrodes will be placed on the hand and foot according to manufacturer guidelines. A low-level electrical current will be passed through the body, and body fat percentage will be estimated using impedance values.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Lean Mass Percentage (%)

  Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Using the same electrode placement and testing position, lean body mass percentage will be derived from impedance measurements through built-in predictive equations of the device.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Total Body Water (%)

  Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Total body water will be estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis using standard equations embedded in the device, with participants positioned supine and electrodes placed on the hand and foot.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Jump Height

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Neuromuscular training group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the Neuromuscular training group will receive Integrated neuromuscular training protocol for a period of 8 weeks. They will undergo 3 sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks.

Other: Integrated Neuromuscular Training

Control group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in the control group will receive traditional volleyball training protocol for a period of 8 weeks. They will undergo 3 sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks.

Other: Traditional Volleyball training

Interventions

Integrated Neuromuscular Training OTHER

1. Training Frequency and Duration Program duration: 8 weeks Training frequency: 3 sessions per week Session duration: 45-60 minutes per session Total sessions: Approximately 24 sessions 2. Structure of Each Training Session Dynamic Warm-Up (10-12 minutes) Balance and Stability Training (8-10 minutes) Strength Training (10-15 minutes) Plyometric Training (10-15 minutes) Agility and Coordination Training (8-10 minutes) Cool-Down and Flexibility (5-8 minutes)

Neuromuscular training group

Traditional Volleyball training OTHER

Training Structure Duration: 8 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week Session duration: 60 minutes Total sessions: 24 sessions Session Components 1. Warm-Up (10-12 minutes) 2. Volleyball Technical Skill Training (20-25 minutes) 3. Tactical and Game-Based Training (15-20 minutes) 4. General Physical Conditioning (10-12 minutes) 5. Cool-Down (5-8 minutes)

Control group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• subjects with one year of playing experience
• least Subjects training twice per week

You may not qualify if:

• Any previous history of lower limb injury in the past 6 months
• Any surgery performed in the lower extremity
• Other vestibular and neurological disorders

Sponsors & Collaborators

• INTI International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

University volleyball Club

Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, 71800, Malaysia

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Athletic Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Wounds and Injuries

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 16, 2026
• First Posted: March 20, 2026
• Study Start: December 2, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 12, 2026
• Study Completion: March 24, 2026
• Last Updated: March 20, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

MY (1)