Effects of a Proprioceptive Training Program on Dynamic Balance and Neuromotor Performance in Adolescent Latin...

Balance is a key determinant of movement quality and injury prevention in dance, yet targeted dynamic-balance training is rarely embedded in adolescent curricula. This controlled experimental study evaluated a 10-week proprioceptive add-on protocol integrated into Latin American dance practice on neuromotor performance in adolescent female dancers. One hundred twenty-four participants were allocated to an experimental group (EG; n = 62) or a control group (CG; n = 62). Outcomes were the Y Balance Test (YBT; composite and inter-limb asymmetry), Pediatric Reach Test (PRT; anterior and lateral), Single-Leg Landing Stability Test (SLLST; time to stabilization), and countermovement jump (CMJ; bilateral and single-leg). The EG completed 25-30 min of progressive balance work twice weekly before class, while the CG continued standard technical training with matched volume. Compared with the CG, the EG showed clear pre-post improvements in YBT (bilateral composite increased; asymmetry decreased), PRT (anterior and lateral increased), CMJ (bilateral and right single-leg increased), and SLLST (time to stabilization decreased), with significant group × time interactions across domains. Specifically, improvements were significant for Y Balance Test composite scores (p < 0.001), Pediatric Reach Test (p ≤ 0.01), countermovement jump (p < 0.05), and time to stabilization (p ≤ 0.01), confirming robust within- and between-group effects. These findings indicate specific neuromotor adaptations attributable to the integrated protocol. Beyond performance enhancement, the proprioceptive program may contribute to injury prevention, better postural efficiency, and safer execution of complex dance movements in adolescent dancers.