This study investigates the effects of a 12-week Integrative Neuromuscular Training (INT) program on physical fitness, balance, and dribbling skills in male high school soccer players in Shandong, China. INT, which combines strength, agility, balance, core stability, and proprioception, has been shown internationally to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries among youth athletes. While widely applied in sports like basketball, volleyball, and swimming abroad, research on INT in Chinese male soccer players remains limited.
A total of 60 male soccer players (aged 16-18) with at least two years of training experience will be recruited from two high schools in Jinan and divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will undergo INT three times per week for 12 weeks, while the control group will continue regular soccer training. The study will measure changes in strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, static and dynamic balance, and dribbling performance. Data collection spans 16 weeks, including pre-tests, intervention, and post-tests. Statistical analysis will be conducted using SPSS 26.0, employing descriptive statistics, GEE models, and repeated measures ANOVA. This research aims to provide scientific evidence for the use of INT in youth soccer training in China.
Male high school football players aged between 16 to 18 years
Regular participation in football training without prior structured neuromuscular warm-up training experience within the last 12 months
Physically healthy and capable of performing all required tests
Voluntary consent to participate in all assessments and training sessions
History of significant musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., knee, ankle, or hip injuries) within the previous year
Presence of current health conditions or medication use that might interfere with physical performance or muscular activity
Any neurological disorders or chronic health issues that could impact participation in training or assessment
Previous experience with structured neuromuscular warm-up training within the last year
Parallel
Integrative Neuromuscular Training
BehavioralParticipants will receive a 12-week Integrative Neuromuscular Training (INT) program, conducted 3 times per week, each session lasting 1 hour. The intervention includes progressive exercises targeting balance, strength, plyometrics, speed, agility, and coordination. Training intensity increases from 55-65% HRmax in weeks 1-2, to 65-75% HRmax in weeks 3-5, and 70-85% HRmax in weeks 6-12. Exercises include single-leg balance, BOSU balance, box jumps (30-50 cm), lateral jumps, squats, Nordic hamstring exercises, sprints (20-30m), shuttle runs, and agility drills. Rest between sets is 30-60 seconds.
Routine training intervention
BehavioralParticipants in the control group will follow the standard physical training program of the school over a 12-week period, with sessions conducted 3 times per week, each lasting approximately 50 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down). The training intensity will progressively increase from 55%-65% HRmax in weeks 1-3, 65%-75% HRmax in weeks 4-8, and 75%-85% HRmax in weeks 9-12. Each session includes: Warm-up (10 minutes): Movement of hands and legs, small-sided games, ball handling, and stretching exercises. Intervention (30 minutes): Weeks 1-3: Barbell back squat, barbell deadlift, bench press, continuous broad jumps, continuous burpee jumps, frontal plank (60 sec), 50m sprinting (5 reps), 2 sets of each exercise with 30-60 seconds rest. Weeks 4-5: Similar structure with increased repetitions (barbell exercises 6-10 reps, plank 70 sec). Weeks 6-8: Barbell back squat, deadlift, bench press, broad jumps, each for 3 sets, 30-60 sec rest. Weeks 9-12: Higher load with 8-12 reps per
Physical fitness (Sprint Speed) in high school football players
Sprint speed was measured as the time (in seconds) to complete a 10-meter sprint from a standing start on a standard track, using a digital stopwatch. The best time from two attempts was recorded.
Physical fitness (muscle strength) in high school football players
Lower limb muscle strength was measured by the maximum load lifted in a back squat using a standard barbell and weight plates. The results are reported in kilograms (kg), with participants performing up to their one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Physical fitness (explosive power) in high school football players
Explosive power was measured by the height of a countermovement jump (CMJ) using a jump mat or force platform. The highest jump from two attempts was recorded in centimeters (cm).
Physical fitness (Agility) in high school football players
Agility was assessed by timing how long participants took to complete the Illinois Agility Test course, measured in seconds. The test was conducted on a standard layout with electronic timing gates.
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Xinrui Zhang
Lead sponsor
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Sponsor institution
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