Neuromuscular exercise as a life-sciences strategy for enhancing dynamic balance: A systematic review supporting SDG 3 and SDG 8

¹ Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
² Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
³ Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
⁴ Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
⁵ Sport Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of Neuromuscular Exercise (NME) in mitigating the risk of sports injury in athletes. Neuromuscular exercise (NME) is an integrative training combining strength, proprioception, plyometrics, agility and balance components, is commonly prescribed by physiotherapists to improve dynamic balance and reduce injury risk in athletes. Neuromuscular exercise as an effective intervention to enhance balance, but the efficacy remains unclear. Dynamic balance is a component of athletic performance and injury prevention. The research project used PRISMA guidelines, using several databases Web of Sciences, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Inclusion required (1) athlete sample, (2) neuromuscular exercise intervention, and (3) dynamic balance outcome (SEBT or Y Balance, dynamic postural sway, and functional hop tests). Data extraction included study design, population, intervention dosage, balance measure, and main findings. A total 8 papers met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate improvements in dynamic balance measures after neuromuscular exercise programs after 4-12 weeks compared with usual training. Findings suggest that NME is effective in enhancing dynamic balance and should be considered a key component of physiotherapy interventions for performance optimization and injury prevention. This research contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 by promoting safe and effective exercise strategies, and SDG 8 by supporting athlete health, longevity, and productivity. Integrating SDG principles highlights the broader societal impact of physiotherapy-based interventions in advancing sustainable health and performance outcomes.