Comparative Effects of Neuromuscular Training and Mobilization with Movement on Pain, Range of Motion, Balance, and Function in Footballer with Ankle Sprain

Abstract

Introduction: Ankle sprains are prevalent among footballers. To determine the effects of neuromuscular training versus mobilization with movement, movement during ankle sprain plays a key role in the performance of football players in terms of pain, range of motion, balance, function, and speed. Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial included two interventional groups: group A (n=20) underwent neuromuscular training (NMT) consisting of 15–20 minutes of exercise. Mobilization with movement (MWM) was administered to Group B (n=20) and involved a maximum of three sets of eight repetitions in a single session. For a period of four weeks, both groups underwent interventions three times a week. At baseline and after the intervention, the subjects’ pain severity, range of motion, balance, function and speed were assessed. The data were analysed via SPSS version 25. Results: There was a significant change in pain, range of motion, balance, function, and speed for both neuromuscular training (NMT) and mobilization with movement from the pretest to the posttest (p<0.05). Moreover, in terms of pain, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion, balance, function and speed, the neuromuscular training group performed significantly better on average than did the mobilization with movement group. Conclusion: Pain, range of motion, balance, and functional and speed outcomes were markedly improved by both treatments.