RIIP REPS Neuromuscular Training

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York19 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to assess both the feasibility and efficacy of a 6-week mobile-application-based neuromuscular training program in high school athletes by measuring adherence rates and examining changes in agility and neuromuscular control. Outcomes were measured both during the intervention (adherence) as well as at pre- and post-intervention data collection sessions.

This study recruited high school athletes (ages 14-18) from Westchester County, NY to participate in a six week mobile application-based neuromuscular control training program that was downloaded onto each participant's personal smartphone and consisted of 24 unique 7-minute sessions. Pre/post intervention assessments included (1) an agility T test and (2) a video-recorded single leg squat test from sagittal and coronal planes. Sagittal plane analysis captured peak knee and hip flexion angles; coronal plane analysis assessed alignment of the knee, hips, and trunk. These subcomponent scores were combined into an 8-point composite movement quality score previously described by Di Paolo et al. Paired t-tests and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were computed to evaluate pre-post changes in agility T test performance and Di Paolo single leg squat composite and subcomponent scores. Participants were arranged by adherence into high (≥12 sessions) and low (\<12 sessions) groups to determine if any relationship existed between adherence and outcome measures.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Neuromuscular Control Healthy Athletic Performance and Injury Risk

Interventions

Neuromuscular Control TrainingOTHER

The mobile app-based neuromuscular control training program was administered via the RIIP REPS application. The program consisted of 24 unique 7-minute sessions. Each session emphasized bodyweight training targeting landing mechanics, trunk and hip control, balance, and posterior chain engagement. The sessions progressed in difficulty throughout the intervention.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 14 YearsMax age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 14-18 * Actively participating in an organized sport OR have participated in an organized sport in the last 12 months * Pre-intervention testing completed AND post-intervention testing completed within 2 weeks of completing the 6 week program Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals whose physical activity and/or sports participation is currently limited by an illness or injury * Individuals with previous lower extremity injury and/or surgery * Individuals who are not fluent in English * Individuals without access to an iOS or Android mobile phone

Locations (1)

Hospital for Special Surgery

New York, New York, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Compliance

Compliance with the RIIP REPS mobile program was defined by how many sessions were completed by each participant. Full compliance consisted of the recommended four sessions per week for a total of 24 sessions over the 6 week period. Adherence tiers were determined based on the number of sessions completed and were as follows: low adherence (\<12 sessions), and high adherence (\>12 sessions).

Time frame: Throughout the 6 week intervention

Secondary Outcomes

Movement Quality

Athletes completed a total of 12 single-leg squats (SLS), guided by trained sports medicine educators. The test protocol consisted of three SLS per leg in the frontal plane and three in the sagittal plane. In the frontal plane, the athlete faced the camera; for the sagittal plane, the athlete turned 90 degrees, maintaining the same squatting leg toward the camera. If a participant lost balance during a repetition, they were instructed to repeat the squat to ensure three successful trials per view. Videos were then analyzed based on the criteria set forth by Di Paolo et al. and the measurements were then used to compute a composite score (0 through 8) with a higher score indicating better performance.

Time frame: Testing was performed before and within 2 weeks after the 6 week intervention.

Agility T Test

The T test is a widely used measure of change-of-direction speed and agility, consisting of a T-shaped running course that challenges lateral, forward, and backward movement. Athletes began at the base of the "T," sprinted forward 10 yards to touch a central cone, shuffled 5 yards to one side to touch another cone, shuffled 10 yards laterally to the opposite side to touch a second cone, returned to the center cone via shuffle, and then backpedaled to the starting point. Proper technique and cone touches were required for a valid trial. To ensure timing accuracy, each trial was independently timed by two study personnel using handheld stopwatches. The average of the two recorded times was used for analysis.

Time frame: Testing was performed before and within 2 weeks after the 6 week intervention.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.