The Road to Designing Integrated Neuromuscular Training Programs for Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Pediatric Exercise Physiology
• Strength and Conditioning

Background:

• Integrated neuromuscular training (INT) combines motor competence and strength development.
• Understanding specific INT components and effects in children and adolescents is limited.
• This review addresses INT exercise categories, progression modalities, and program effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the components and effectiveness of integrated neuromuscular training (INT) programs for children and adolescents.
• To identify common INT exercise categories and progression strategies.
• To evaluate the impact of INT on physical fitness outcomes in young populations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on integrated neuromuscular training (INT) in children and adolescents.
• Searched six electronic databases: SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase.
• Risk of bias assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale.

Main Results:

• Strength training, particularly core exercises, was the most common INT component (60% of studies).
• 40% of studies incorporated at least two INT progression modalities (volume, intensity, complexity).
• Meta-analysis showed significant improvements in jump, push-up, and sprint performance, but not flexibility. Subgroup analysis indicated that programs meeting all three progression modalities significantly improved sprint and flexibility.

Conclusions:

• Integrated neuromuscular training (INT) programs positively impact children and adolescents' physical fitness.
• INT is a promising protocol for simultaneously developing motor competence, strength, and conditioning.
• This review calls for the adoption of INT as a novel approach for youth development.