Female Soccer Players at High Risk of Injury Maintained Improved Knee Abduction Load 6 Months After Neuromuscular Training Program
In brief
Neuromuscular training lowered knee loading about 22% in high-risk soccer players at 6 months
In a secondary analysis of 150 adolescent female soccer players, those classified as high risk had lower knee abduction moments after six weeks of neuromuscular training, with the improvement still present six months later. Low-risk players showed no change. The study measured knee mechanics, not ACL injuries, so whether the lasting change prevents injuries remains unknown.
- Journal
- The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy (Q1)
- Published
- 1 October 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Jeffrey B Taylor, Thomas J Hockenjos, Anh-Dung Nguyen, Audrey E Westbrook, Mark V Paterno, Brett S Pexa, et al.
- PMID
- 42823643
- DOI
- 10.2519/jospt.2026.14125
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (top studies of the week, 4 October 2026): Neuromuscular training, not complementary therapy
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate immediate and long-term (retention) improvements in knee abduction moment (KAM) following a neuromuscular training (NMT) program with augmented biofeedback in individuals at high and low risk for injury. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: One hundred fifty adolescent female soccer players were enrolled in a 6-week NMT program and randomized to biofeedback training groups: NMT + Hip-focus (NMT+H), NMT + Knee-focus (NMT+K), or NMT with a sham biofeedback. NMT was completed 3 times each week with augmented biofeedback delivered once per week. Standard 3-dimensional motion analysis of a drop vertical jump over artificial turf with embedded force platforms was performed at baseline (PRE), immediately following training (POST), and 6 months post training (RET). Baseline measures of KAM were used to stratify participants into low- (n = 87, 12.7 ± 2.2 years, 153.0 ± 11.4 cm, 47.2 ± 11.8 kg) and high-risk (n = 44, 14.0 ± 1.8 years, 161.6 ± 5.8 cm, 53.5 ± 9.2 kg) groups, based on a previously determined cut point. A mixed-design analysis of variance with between-group factors of risk (high, low) and training group (NMT+H, NMT+K, NMT), and a repeated within-group factor of session (PRE, POST, RET) were used for the analysis. RESULTS: A significant interaction was identified between risk and session (P < .001). Within training groups, the high-risk group had a significant reduction in KAM from baseline to posttest, and from baseline to 6 months (PRE: -37.5 ± 9.0 N m; POST: -25.2 ± 11.4 N m; RET: -29.4 ± 14.5 N m). There were no changes in the low-risk group (PRE: -12.2 ± 6.2 N m; POST: -12.2 ± 7.6 N m; RET: -12.9 ± 8.7 N m). CONCLUSION: Female soccer players with knee biomechanics that put them at high risk for anterior cruciate ligament injury had improved KAM following an NMT program. The changes in KAM remained at 6 months after training. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2026;56(10):689-698. Epub 28 Aug 2026. doi:10.2519/jospt.2026.14125.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.