Effects of proprioceptive training on the lower limb in young sportspersons playing volleyball

Introduction: We performed a 6-month longitudinal study, using a test-retest method, in a single group to evaluate the effectiveness of a proprioceptive program to prevent lower limb injuries in young athletes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 28 high-level volleyball players of both sexes aged between 15 and 18 years old. Data were gathered during the first trimester (without intervention) and in the following trimester (with training). The proprioceptive training program was based on locomotive system rebalance therapy. Pain was measured weekly with a visual analog scale and the occurrence of lower limb injury was measured during the study period and in the same time period in the previous year. Results: During the training period, there was a significant reduction each week in ankle pain in both sexes, as well as a significant reduction in knee pain in girls but not in boys. There was also a tendency to a reduction in lower limb injuries, especially ankle injuries, in both sexes. Conclusion: The training method decreased the occurrence and intensity of knee pain in girls, and showed a tendency to improve knee pain in boys. The method reduced the occurrence and intensity of ankle pain in both sexes and showed a tendency to reduce lower limb injuries, especially those of the ankle.