426 BO29 – Effects of a novel neuromuscular training programme on recreational female hockey players during an unanticipated sidecut

Background Female hockey players are at a high risk of noncontact injuries which could be potentially mitigated with neuromuscular training. Objective This study assessed the effects of a sport-specific neuromuscular training (NMT) programme on electromyography (EMG), kinematics and kinetics during an unanticipated sidecut. Design, Participants and intervention Female hockey recreational players performed either NMT or their usual warm-up. The intervention group (INT = 20) performed NMTP 3 x per week before training sessions or matches for 8 weeks. The control (CON = 18) group performed their normal warm-up. Main outcome measurements The sidecut was assessed at baseline and post-intervention with 3-D motion capture (trunk, hip, knee and ankle kinematics), force plates (peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), rate of force development (RFD) and electromyography (Gluteals, Quadriceps, Hamstrings and Gastrocnemius) at 100ms and 30ms prior to initial contact (IC), 50ms post IC, IC to maximum knee flexion (MKF) and time to peak. Results There was a non-statistically significant trend of greater muscle activation in all time points following NMT. There was greater gastrocnemius muscle activation in both groups at 100ms prior to IC, IC to 50ms and IC to MKF, with a greater increase in the INT group. There was an overall greater reduction in time to peak in INT compared to CON. There were significant decreases (p=0.009) in maximum knee abduction (CON = +0.04°; INT = -2.42°) and knee excursion (p=0.011) for INT (CON = +1.23°; INT = -2.75°). There was significant reduction (p=0.002) in RFD (CON = +2.22; INT = -6.05) at post-test for INT. Conclusions The sports-specific NMT showed some significant alterations on the kinematics and kinetics following 8 weeks of NMT. There were greater increases in the muscle activation of the Gastrocnemius for INT groups than CON. These adaptations could have implications in reducing injury risks.