Effect of neuromuscular training on balance and coordination in female kabaddi players: A study in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Kabaddi is a high-intensity, contact sport that demands exceptional balance, coordination, and rapid reactive movements. Female athletes, due to gender-specific neuromuscular vulnerabilities, are particularly at risk for injury and performance limitations. Neuromuscular training (NMT) has been widely recognized for its role in enhancing motor control, postural stability, and injury prevention. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an 8-week neuromuscular training intervention on balance and coordination among female kabaddi players in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was employed involving 28 female kabaddi players aged 15-23 years. Participants underwent a supervised 8-week NMT program comprising balance drills, core strengthening, plyometrics, and proprioceptive exercises. Balance was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), while coordination was measured via the Alternate Hand Wall Toss Test and the Agility T-Test. Pre- and post-intervention scores were compared using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Post-training, participants showed statistically significant improvements in dynamic and static balance (SEBT: p