The Effect of a Neuromuscular Training Program on Rate of Force Development and Knee Joint Stability in Men and Women

Abstract

Neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training account for improvement in explosive movements by increasing neural drive and efficiency, recruitment of fast twitch muscle fibers, and rate of force development. These adaptations result in the ability to generate a greater amount of muscle force over a shorter period of time, enabling a person to respond more quickly to the demands of the surrounding world. In this way, an increase in rate of force development also increases joint stability. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a neuromuscular training program, designed to increase rate of force development, on knee joint stability in men and women. Utilizing an Ariel Computerized Exercise System, a 4-week training program was developed. Five male and five female participants each completed the twice-a-week training program. Exercises included squats, deadlifts, lateral squats, and leg drives for three sets of ten seconds each, at 75% of maximal velocity. Pre and post-tests for knee joint stability were performed using the Landing Error Scoring System in Real Time (LESS-RT), where decreased scores indicate an increase in joint stability. Results indicated no significant differences. However, observed results yielded decreases in scores after training for both male and female participants. Female decreases in LESS-RT scores were observed to be greater than their male counterparts.