Integrated Neuromuscular Training Improves Jump Height and Landing Mechanics in Male Volleyball Athletes

A Study Protocol on Impact of an 8-Week Integrated Neuromuscular Training Program on Anthropometric Profile, Jump-Landing Mechanics, and Vertical Jump Height in Male Volleyball Players

Background

Volleyball is a sport that requires frequent jumping, landing, rapid movements, and changes in direction. During a match, players repeatedly perform actions such as spikes, blocks, and quick defensive movements. Because of these repetitive high-impact movements, volleyball players are at risk of lower-limb injuries, especially to the knees, ankles, and hips.

Many injuries occur when athletes land incorrectly after jumping, when muscles are not strong enough, or when the body's balance and coordination are not optimal. Poor movement control during landing can place excessive stress on the joints and surrounding tissues. For this reason, improving the way athletes jump, land, and control their movements is very important for both performance and injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study was to determine whether an 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training program could improve the following aspects in male volleyball athletes: Anthropometric profile, Jump-landing mechanics, Vertical jump height. Male volleyball athletes volunteered to participate in this research. All participants were active players who regularly took part in volleyball training and competitions. Integrated Neuromuscular Training (INT) is a structured exercise approach designed to improve the coordination between the muscular system and the nervous system. In simple terms, it helps the body learn how to move more efficiently, safely, and powerfully. The training program used in this study included a combination of exercises such as strength training to improve muscle power and joint stability, balance and stability exercises to enhance body control, plyometric exercises.

This study used a single-blind pretest-posttest design. Pretest: The athletes were evaluated before the training program started. Training period: The participants completed the 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training program.

Posttest: After the training program, the same measurements were taken again.

Study Overview

• Status: Enrolling by invitation
• Conditions: Sports Injuries; Athletic Performance and Injury Risk
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Integrated Neuromuscular Training; Other: Traditional Volleyball training

Detailed Description

Volleyball players frequently perform jumping and landing movements during actions such as spiking, blocking, and serving. Improper landing techniques and weak muscle coordination can increase the risk of injuries, particularly to the knee, ankle, and lower back.

This study aims to determine whether an 8-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training (INT) program can improve:

Body measurements such as weight and muscle composition Jumping ability (vertical jump height) Landing technique and movement control

Improving these factors may help athletes perform better and reduce the risk of injury. Integrated Neuromuscular Training combines several types of exercises designed to improve how muscles and the nervous system work together. The training program includes Strength exercises, balance training, Plyometric exercises, Coordination and agility drills. Participants in this study are:

Male volleyball athletes, physically active and currently involved in volleyball training, Free from serious injuries that prevent exercise participation. The exercises are similar to normal volleyball training activities, so risks are minimal.

Possible minor risks like temporary muscle soreness, mild fatigue. To reduce risks all exercises will be supervised by trained professionals, proper warm-up and cool-down routines will be established.

Participants will complete an 8-week training program designed to improve neuromuscular control.

Step 1: Initial Assessment (Pre-Test) of Body composition measurements, Vertical jump height, Jump and landing movement analysis.

Step 2: Training Program (8 Weeks)

Participants will perform the Integrated Neuromuscular Training program several times per week under supervision. The training will focus on improving:

Muscle strength, Balance and coordination, Proper jump and landing technique. Step 3: Final Assessment (Post-Test) After completing the 8-week training program, the same tests will be repeated to determine whether there were improvements in Body composition, Jump height and Landing mechanics.

The results of this study may help:

Volleyball players improve performance safely Physiotherapists and sports trainers develop better training programs Coaches design safer conditioning programs

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 38
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Malaysia
  • Negeri Sembilan
    • Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, 71800
      • University volleyball Club

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• subjects with one year of playing experience
• least Subjects training twice per week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any previous history of lower limb injury in the past 6 months
• Any surgery performed in the lower extremity
• Other vestibular and neurological disorders

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Neuromuscular training group; Participants in the Neuromuscular training group will receive Integrated neuromuscular training protocol for a period of 8 weeks. They will undergo 3 sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks.	Other: Integrated Neuromuscular Training; Training Frequency and Duration Program duration: 8 weeks Training frequency: 3 sessions per week Session duration: 45-60 minutes per session Total sessions: Approximately 24 sessions; Structure of Each Training Session Dynamic Warm-Up (10-12 minutes) Balance and Stability Training (8-10 minutes) Strength Training (10-15 minutes) Plyometric Training (10-15 minutes) Agility and Coordination Training (8-10 minutes) Cool-Down and Flexibility (5-8 minutes)
Active Comparator: Control group; Participants in the control group will receive traditional volleyball training protocol for a period of 8 weeks. They will undergo 3 sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks.	Other: Traditional Volleyball training; Training Structure Duration: 8 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week Session duration: 60 minutes Total sessions: 24 sessions Session Components; Warm-Up (10-12 minutes); Volleyball Technical Skill Training (20-25 minutes); Tactical and Game-Based Training (15-20 minutes); General Physical Conditioning (10-12 minutes); Cool-Down (5-8 minutes)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Body Weight	Measured using a calibrated digital weighing scale Unit: Kilograms (kg) Procedure: Participants will be measured barefoot and in light clothing. They will stand upright at the center of the weighing scale platform without support, with weight evenly distributed on both feet. The measurement will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 kg. The scale will be calibrated prior to data collection.	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Landing Mechanics	The LESS evaluates movement quality during a jump-landing task. It helps clinicians and researchers identify errors such as: Poor knee alignment, Excessive trunk movement, Limited knee or hip flexion, Asymmetrical landing, Improper foot placement. Higher LESS scores indicate more movement errors and potentially greater injury risk.	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Height	Assessment method: Measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer Unit: Meters (m) Procedure: Participants will stand barefoot with heels together, back straight, and head positioned in the Frankfort horizontal plane. The heels, buttocks, shoulders, and head will be in contact with the stadiometer where possible. The headpiece will be lowered to rest firmly on the crown of the head. Height will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm and converted to meters.	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Body Mass Index	Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated using the formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m²).	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Body Fat Percentage (%)	Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Participants will be assessed in a supine position. Surface electrodes will be placed on the hand and foot according to manufacturer guidelines. A low-level electrical current will be passed through the body, and body fat percentage will be estimated using impedance values.	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Lean Mass Percentage (%)	Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Using the same electrode placement and testing position, lean body mass percentage will be derived from impedance measurements through built-in predictive equations of the device.	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Total Body Water (%)	Assessment method: Measured using Bodystat 1500MD bioelectrical impedance analyzer Unit: Percentage (%) Procedure: Total body water will be estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis using standard equations embedded in the device, with participants positioned supine and electrodes placed on the hand and foot.	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Jump Height	The Vertec is a widely used instrument in sports science and athletic performance testing to measure vertical jump height. The athlete stands directly under the Vertec. Feet are placed approximately shoulder-width apart. The athlete performs a countermovement jump, bending the knees and hips before jumping. During the jump, the athlete reaches upward with the dominant hand to strike the highest possible vane. The vane rotates upon contact, indicating the maximum jump reach. The athlete lands safely with both feet. Vertical Jump Height = Maximum Jump Reach - Standing Reach Height	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: INTI International University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 2, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): February 12, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 24, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 16, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 18, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): March 20, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 20, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 18, 2026
• Last Verified: March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Neuromuscular training; Landing error; Anthrpometry; Volleyball athlete; jumping task
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Wounds and Injuries; Athletic Injuries
• Other Study ID Numbers: INTIIU/FHLSRCBPHTI1NY12025/007

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No