Background: Balance ability is a critical component of athletic performance and injury prevention. Neuromuscular training has been increasingly recognized as an effective intervention to enhance balance, but its overall efficacy remains unclear. Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of neuromuscular training on athletes` balance ability, providing a theoretical basis for coaches and athletes to develop innovative strategies for balance ability. Methods: The research project adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, with the study protocol registered in PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023433674). We conducted a comprehensive literature search using several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), up to 23 August 2024. EndNote software was utilized for literature management, while RevMan Manager 5.4 software performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model for outcome indicators related to balance ability. Meta-regression was conducted to evaluate results based on intervention duration, sex, and age. Funnel plots assessed publication bias alongside Egger's and Begg's tests. Results: After two rounds of screening, 13 studies were included from 7254 articles obtained from multiple databases—comprising 12 studies on dynamic balance and five studies on static balance. Each participant underwent outcome prior to and after the training intervention. The pooled analysis indicated that neuromuscular training significantly improved overall balance ability compared to traditional training (SMD 1.47, 95% CI 0.78-2.16, p < 0.0001). Neuromuscular training also demonstrated significant advantages in both static balance (SMD 1.90, 95% CI 0.24-3.57) and dynamic balance (SMD 1.30, 95% CI 0.54-2.05). Conclusion: Neuromuscular training effectively enhances athletes` balance abilities, which has the potential to improve athletic performance and reduce injuries. Key Points: Neuromuscular training significantly enhances athletes` overall balance ability compared to traditional training. Neuromuscular training demonstrates strong positive effects on both static balance and dynamic balance. Implementing neuromuscular training interventions may improve athletic performance and reduce injury risks.
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