Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training on Fitness Performance in Children
in Pediatric Exercise ScienceClick name to view affiliation
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) during physical education (PE) class on selected measures of health- and skill-related fitness in children. Forty children from two 2nd grade PE classes were cluster randomized into either an INT group (n = 21) or a control (CON) group (n = 19). INT was performed 2x/wk during the first ~15 min of each PE class and consisted of body weight exercises. INT and CON participants were assessed for health- and skill-related fitness before and after 8 wks of PE with or without INT, respectively. A significant interaction of group by time was observed in INT participants with improvements noted in push-ups, curl-ups, long jump, single leg hop, and 0.5 mile (0.8 km) run performance (p < .05). These data indicate that INT is an effective and time-efficient addition to PE as evidenced by improvements in health- and skill-related fitness measures in children.
Faigenbaum, Farrell, Fabiano, Ratamess, and Kang are with the Dept. of Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ. Radler is with Lore Elementary School, Ewing, NJ. Naclerio is with the School of Physical Activity and Sport Science, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. Myer is with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Sports Medicine Biodynamics Center and Human Performance Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH.
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