Background: Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) has increasingly been proposed as a complementary approach to improve physical performance in adolescent soccer player. Despite growing interest, evidence regarding its effectiveness in youth players remains limited and fragmented. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of INT on physical performance outcomes in adolescent male soccer players. Methods: The review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A structured research in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus was performed to identify eligible studies published between January 2015 and November 2025. Controlled intervention studies investigating INT in addition to standard soccer training in adolescent players were included. Primary outcomes comprised sprint performance, jump performance, change-of-direction (COD) ability and strength- or powerrelated measures. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Five studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 148 adolescent male soccer players (INT: n = 75; control: n = 73) competing at elite or subelite levels. Across studies, intervention duration varied between 5 and 8 weeks, with training frequencies ranging from two to three sessions per week. INT programmes consistently adopted a multicomponent approach, integrating strength, plyometric, balance, coordination and agility exercises. Compared with regular soccer training alone, INT was associated with improvements in sprint performance, jump performance and change-of-direction ability. Methodological quality was rated as moderate to high (PEDro scores: 5–6). Conclusion: INT appears to be an effective strategy for enhancing key physical performance parameters in adolescent male soccer players. Nevertheless, additional high-quality researches are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal training guidelines.
Effects of integrative neuromuscular training on physical performance in adolescent soccer players: a systematic review
Trotta N.;Sannicandro I.Writing – Original Draft Preparation
2026-01-01
Abstract
Background: Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) has increasingly been proposed as a complementary approach to improve physical performance in adolescent soccer player. Despite growing interest, evidence regarding its effectiveness in youth players remains limited and fragmented. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of INT on physical performance outcomes in adolescent male soccer players. Methods: The review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A structured research in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus was performed to identify eligible studies published between January 2015 and November 2025. Controlled intervention studies investigating INT in addition to standard soccer training in adolescent players were included. Primary outcomes comprised sprint performance, jump performance, change-of-direction (COD) ability and strength- or powerrelated measures. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Five studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 148 adolescent male soccer players (INT: n = 75; control: n = 73) competing at elite or subelite levels. Across studies, intervention duration varied between 5 and 8 weeks, with training frequencies ranging from two to three sessions per week. INT programmes consistently adopted a multicomponent approach, integrating strength, plyometric, balance, coordination and agility exercises. Compared with regular soccer training alone, INT was associated with improvements in sprint performance, jump performance and change-of-direction ability. Methodological quality was rated as moderate to high (PEDro scores: 5–6). Conclusion: INT appears to be an effective strategy for enhancing key physical performance parameters in adolescent male soccer players. Nevertheless, additional high-quality researches are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal training guidelines.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
