Effect of integrative neuromuscular training and detraining on performance indices in young female volleyball players

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to determine the effect of: 1) integrative neuromuscular training (INT); and 2) detraining on power and skill performance indices in young female volleyball players. METHODS: Sixty-one pre- and early pubescent female volleyball players participated in this study divided into two groups, integrative neuromuscular training (INTG) and control (CG). The INTG followed a 12-week INT program twice weekly and both groups participated in volleyball training sessions. During 8-week detraining, both groups keep practicing volleyball. Participants were assessed on upper and lower limb power and skill accuracy tests prior, at the end and 8 weeks after INT. A repeated measures Analysis of Variance was used to examine groups' changes in performance for each variable and significance level was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: INTG improved all power parameters more than CG after 12 weeks of INT (significant interaction, P<0.001) whilst the CG improved only countermovement jump (CMJ) height (P<0.05) and medicine ball (MB) throw (P<0.05). Both groups improved their technical skills accuracy (P<0.001) with INTG presenting higher improvements (P<0.001). During detraining, INTG maintained performance gains in CMJ and Cod (P<0.001). MB throw distance and technical skills accuracy kept on improving for both groups (P<0.01) with higher improvements observed in INTG (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: INT may cause improvements in specific power and skill performance indices during in season training in young female volleyball players which may be maintained or even improved for at least 8-week detraining when players remain active through volleyball training.