Background The Verhagen volleyball-specific neuromuscular exercise training (NEMEX) program has already been recommended for preventing ankle sprain recurrences in volleyball players; however, the effect of this proprioceptive balance board training program as a training intervention on improving the functional movement characteristics of these players has received less attention. Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the NEMEX training on functional movement, balance, and hopping performance of high risk volleyball players. Methods Thirty out of 121 youth volleyball players (age: 16.60 ± 2.20) participating in the provincial league, with an FMS score of less than 14, were selected to participate in this quasi-experimental study. Players were randomly assigned into either experimental or control group. Functional tests, including FMS, lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ), upper quarter Y-balance test (YBT-UQ), Davies, and hopping tests, were recorded at the baseline and at end of this study. While the control group performed their exercises routinely, the experimental group performed the NEMEX training three sessions per week for 8 weeks as warm-up plus their routine exercise. Results The results of the current study showed that players in the experimental group scored more than control group in YBT-LQ of right and left legs (p < 0.05, np² = 0.54 and p < 0.05, np² = 0.29, respectively), Davies (p < 0.05, np² = 0.34), and right and left leg hopping tests (p < 0.05, np² = 0.60 and p < 0.05, np² = 0.70, respectively) after 8 week NEMEX training. However, there was no significant difference between participants of the two groups as for FMS and YBT-UQ scores. Conclusion Eight weeks of Verhagen NEMEX training can significantly improve the young volleyball players` performance on hopping, YBT-LQ, and Davies tests. It is therefore recommended that volleyball players exposing to high risk of sustaining injury can prevent injury occurrence via adding NEMEX training along with their routine training.
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