The effect of Sportmetrics soccer training program on postural control in soccer players with and without previous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Sportmetrics soccer training (SMST) program on the center of pressure (CoP) displacement in soccer players with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods. The method of this study was a quasi-experimental type, and the number of statistical samples that participated in the present study included 42 soccer players. They were divided into two groups of 21 (with ACLR and without ACLR). The mean, minimal and maximal CoP displacement in anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions was evaluated in both groups before and after six-week of SMST training program. The dependent t-test was used for intra-group comparisons, while a one-way ANOVA test was employed to analyze inter-group differences, with statistical significance defined as (p ≤ 0.05).

Results. A significant difference was observed in the mean of (M-L) displacement (p = 0.021) in the healthy group between pre-training and post-training. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the mean (p = 0.011), minimal (p = 0.042) and maximum (p = 0.013) ML displacement  in the ACLR group between pre-training and post-training. In the post-training assessment, there were no notable discrepancies found in the (M-L) and (A-P) components between the two groups.

Conclusions. Our findings support the premise that a SMST training program during the pre-season alters lower extremity biomechanics in soccer players. Participating in the SMST training program improves postural control in healthy individuals and soccer players with ACLR, potentially reducing the risk of ACL injury or re-injury.