CONTEXT: Few reports have analyzed the effects of neuromuscular (NM) training programs on the injury incidence among youth female track-and-field athletes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of NM training on reducing lower limb injury incidence and to establish its effects on countermovement jump performance, balance, 30-m sprint, and joint position sense in youth female track-and-field athletes. DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Sports research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two female athletes were allocated into 2 groups: conventional (CONV) training (n = 11; age 15.3 (2.1) y) and NM training (n = 11; age 15.0 (2.7) y). INTERVENTIONS: Interventions were performed during the preseason of 6 weeks. The CONV training included anaerobic, strength, and aerobic training. The NM training consisted of a multicomponent program that integrated jumps, landings, and running with strength, endurance, agility, balance, and CORE training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A follow-up of the cohorts was carried out through the evaluation of lower limb injuries (main outcome) during a regular season (weeks 7 to 18). Secondary outcomes were measured before and after the intervention: Y-balance test, active joint repositioning, ground reaction force, and countermovement jump height. RESULTS: The injury incidence rate was 17.89 injuries per 1,000 hours athlete-exposure in CONV training, and 6.58 in NM training (relative risk 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.82; p = 0.044). Particularly, the medial tibial stress syndrome incidence rate was 5.96 injuries per 1,000 hours athlete-exposure in CONV training and 0.82 in NM training (relative risk 0.17; 95% confidence interval 0.02 to 1.12; p = 0.012). In addition, a significant training x time interaction was noted, favoring improvements in 30-m sprint and countermovement jump height after NM. CONCLUSION: The NM training may improve youth female athlete's physical fitness and reduce their injury relative risk of medial tibial stress syndrome injury.
Copyright Human Kinetics. Reprinted with permission from Human Kinetics (Champaign, IL).

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