Effect of integrated neuromuscular training of physical performance in higher education fustsal players in the city of Talca

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an Integrated Neuromuscular Training (INT) program on physical performance in university futsal players. Methodology: A comparative longitudinal pre-experimental study was conducted with 13 male futsal players from Universidad Católica del Maule. Participants were selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling, including students with normal BMI, high attendance (over 90 %) to sessions, males aged 18 to 28 years, and excluding those with acute injuries. The intervention consisted of 12 sessions of INT, conducted twice a week, with each session lasting 40 minutes and covering six specific components. Results: The sample had a mean age of 22.2 years, weight of 75.5 kg, height of 174 cm, and BMI of 25.1 kg/m², with a weekly physical activity level of 6397 MET-minutes/week. Following the program, significant improvements were observed in stability and agility, particularly notable in young individuals with normal BMI and high physical activity levels. There were significant increases in Y balance tests and reductions in T-Test agility times. However, improvements in horizontal jump distance were less pronounced. Conclusions: The results suggest that Integrated Neuromuscular Training programs can be highly effective in improving physical performance and potentially preventing injuries in active young individuals. These findings underscore the relevance of INT as a training strategy in specific sports contexts such as university futsal.