Effects of an eight-week neuromuscular training program on performance variables in female university football players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Football performance depends on the integration of speed, strength, agility, and balance, all of which contribute to efficient movement and injury prevention. Neuromuscular training (NMT) is widely used to improve these attributes by combining strength, plyometric, balance, and coordination exercises within a structured program. Although various training methods are applied in football conditioning, their relative effectiveness in enhancing multiple performance domains simultaneously remains a matter of practical interest. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an eight-week NMT program on sprint performance, explosive power, change-of-direction (COD) ability, and dynamic balance in female university football players. Materiasl and Methods. A total of 41 athletes were initially screened. Thirty-four athletes aged 20–24 years met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EXP, n = 17) or a control group (CON, n = 17). The EXP group completed structured NMT sessions three times per week alongside regular football training. The CON group continued standard practice without additional training. Pre- and post-intervention tests included the 50-m sprint, standing broad jump, 505 COD test, and Y-Balance Test. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, ANCOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s dz and partial eta squared. Results. The EXP group showed significant within-group improvements across all outcomes (p < .001, Cohen’s dz = 1.07–1.24). The CON group demonstrated no meaningful changes. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences for all performance variables (all p < .01), with large effect sizes (η²p = 0.28–0.35). Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between improvements in dynamic balance, COD, and sprint performance (r = −0.56 to +0.62, p < .01). Sensitivity analyses confirmed that the findings remained robust after excluding low adherence and outlier cases. Conclusions. An eight-week NMT program led to significant improvements in speed, power, agility, and balance among female university football players. The results highlight the effectiveness of integrated neuromuscular interventions in enhancing multidimensional performance characteristics in this population.