A Neuromuscular Training Program Performed on Foam is Accompanied by Improved Balance and Jump Height in Recreational Runners

Authors

Katie L. Nixon, University of MichiganFollow
Cameron J. Franz, Saginaw Valley State UniversityFollow
Carson J. Birchmeier, University of MichiganFollow
Jeremy L. Knous, Saginaw Valley State UniversityFollow
David C. Berry, Saginaw Valley State UniversityFollow
Kisha M. Osterhoff, Saginaw Valley State UniversityFollow
Merrick A. Lincoln, Saginaw Valley State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: To assess balance, plyometric performance, and strength of recreational runners completing a neuromuscular training (NMT) program on a novel foam surface. Methods: After baseline testing, participants (n=14) completed 22-minute exercise sessions on foam twice weekly for eight weeks, and a post-training testing battery. Testing included lower quarter Y-balance test (LQYBT), dynamic leap and balance test (DLBT), squat jump and countermovement jump tests, and isometric strength testing of the foot and ankle via handheld dynamometry (HHD). Participants were asked to maintain their normal running routines throughout the study period and report any training missed due to injury. Results: Participants demonstrated significant (pConclusion: This study supports the use of progressive NMT on foam as a feasible intervention for recreational runners as all participants maintained typical running routines and reported no injuries. While further research is needed to directly inform possible effects of NMT on foam on injury risk and running performance, the improvements in single leg dynamic balance, lower body plyometric performance, and some indices of lower extremity strength in the present study suggest the efficacy of NMT performed on foam.

Author Bio(s)

Katie L. Nixon, BS, is a graduate of the Exercise Science program at Saginaw Valley State University and a student Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of Michigan-Flint in the class of 2026.

Cameron J. Franz is an Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Therapy student at Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Michigan.

Carson J. Birchmeier, BS, is a graduate of the Exercise Science program at Saginaw Valley State University and a student Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of Michigan-Flint in the class of 2026.

Jeremy L. Knous, PhD, CSCS, is a Professor of Kinesiology and Assistant Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Michigan. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist.

David C. Berry, PhD, MHA, AT, ATC, is a Professor of Kinesiology and the Program Coordinator for Rehabilitation Medicine and Exercise Science at Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI. He is also a licensed athletic trainer in the state of Michigan.

Kisha M. Osterhoff, MS, ACSM-EP, is the Humam Performance Lab Coordinator for the Department of Kinesiology at Saginaw Valley State University. She is also a certified exercise physiologist.

Merrick A. Lincoln, PT, DPT, CSCS, is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Saginaw Valley State University. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and licensed physical therapist in the state of Michigan.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by an Undergraduate Research Program (UGRP) grant at Saginaw Valley State University. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Recommended Citation

Nixon KL, Franz CJ, Birchmeier CJ, Knous JL, Berry DC, Osterhoff KM, et al. A Neuromuscular Training Program Performed on Foam is Accompanied by Improved Balance and Jump Height in Recreational Runners. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Dec 15;22(1), Article 20.