| Effect of Eight Weeks of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Static and Dynamic Balance and Proprioception in Female Taekwondo Athletes: A Preventive Approach to Sports Injuries |
| Paper ID : 1719-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Behnaz Yaminisoltan * Department of Physical Education, Payame Noor university of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Taekwondo is a scientific Korean martial art emphasizing hand and foot striking techniques. Maintaining balance is fundamental in all movements. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises enhance coordination between muscles and the nervous system. This study investigated the effect of eight weeks of PNF exercises on static and dynamic balance and proprioception in female taekwondo practitioners (aged 8–12). Methods: This semi-experimental study followed a pre-test/post-test design. Thirty young female taekwondo athletes were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group performed PNF exercises three times per week for eight weeks while the control group continued regular taekwondo training. Assessments included the stork test, star excursion balance test, and the Sharpened Romberg test with closed eyes on a Bosu ball. Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS 27 at α ≤ 0.05. Statistical tests included Levene’s test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group in static and dynamic balance and proprioception (P ≤ 0.05), while no significant changes occurred in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of PNF exercises significantly improved balance and proprioception in female taekwondo athletes. Including these exercises in training programs is recommended to enhance motor control and reduce injury risk. |
| Keywords |
| PNF, balance, proprioception, female taekwondo athletes. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
