# Arrangement Order Effects of Neuromuscular Training on the Physical Fitness of Youth Soccer Players
## 4 Discussion
However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of NMT conducted following soccer-specific training. We conducted this experiment during the off-season to create an environment conducive to NMT after soccer-specific training, and in both groups, the soccer-specific training intensity was limited to a Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) level of 13 or less [28]. In this study, NMT was performed for eight weeks by the participants of both groups before and after soccer-specific exercises, and sprint ability and agility were improved in both groups. According to [PERSON] et al. [30], implementation of a FIFA11+ program (similar to the NMT) after soccer-specific training had a positive effect on injury reduction, which was related to improvements in the neuromuscular system and muscle strength. The NMT program included a combination of lower body strengthening exercises and pyometric exercises. These exercises induce substantial muscular recruitment and the activation of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal group musculature in young athletes [31]. Additionally, the included exercises involved the strong use of stretch-shortening, and thus may increase impulse production, the rate of force development, and the stiffness of muscles, which are associated with sprint and agility performance [32]. There would have been a potential to improve sprint and agility performance by providing greater nerve stimulation, resulting in better intramuscular and intermuscular coordination. In a study whose design was similar to our experimental design, the application of NMT along with tennis-specific exercises was effective in improving sprint ability and agility in youth tennis players [32]. In particular, pyometric training has been found to be effective for youth players aged 15-17 years, even when applied after soccer-specific training [28]. The effectiveness of NMT depends on several factors such as the coach's plan, technical and tactical training, athletes' schedules, and training facilities [28]. Therefore, NMT can be applied to youth soccer players at various time-points under the condition that the intensity of the soccer-specific training should be adjusted during the off-season. NMT should be performed after gaining a complete understanding of body movements through the execution of appropriate exercises. It helps in maintaining postural control when the core and lower extremities are used to balance external loads. A dynamic balance is required to maintain the center of mass at different speeds over unexpected support surfaces during the movement of body parts [33; 34]. Additionally, the NMT program includes multiple movements in various directions, which is effective for central nervous system adaptations and peripheral improvement, increasing proprioception in the lower joints [35]. In particular, since decreases in the neuromuscular control of the trunk have a negative effect on the stability of the lower extremities during high speed movements, MNT containing core stability should be applied to prevent ankle or knee instability [36]. Moreover, previous studies have shown that dynamic balance can lead to high-speed performance in youth soccer players. Many studies have demonstrated that exercise conducted to improve physical performance before training for a specific sport has a positive effect on balance ability. However, several studies have reported that exercise sequences applied before and after sport-specific exercises do not result in significant changes in balance ability [37; 38]. In this study, the Y-balance test performance of the NBS group showed a positive improvement. We predicted that neuromuscular exercises performed after soccer-specific exercises would not burden the functions mediating postural control, including muscles involved in postural control and proprioception [39], and observed that NMT applied after soccer-specific exercises was not effective in improving dynamic balance ability.