Date Approved

4-29-2020

Embargo Period

4-30-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. Athletic Training

Department

Health and Exercise Science

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Mann, Douglas

Committee Member 1

Sterner, Robert

Committee Member 2

Pletcher, Erin

Keywords

neuromuscular control, athletic performance, fatigue

Subject(s)

College athletes--Health and hygiene

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Sports Sciences

Abstract

Lower extremity injuries and pathologies are amongst the most common issues recreational athletes face. Fatigue is a factor that may impact how the lower extremity performs on a neuromuscular level. Neuromuscular control is a vital aspect of athletic performance and everyday life, that when hindered, may produce pathological results. The research is contradictory on whether or not fatigue produces a significant impact during neuromuscular performance. The purpose of this study is to assess neuromuscular control following a lower extremity fatigue protocol.

This study was a randomized a controlled trial. Twenty-one recreationally active subjects, 10 males and 11 females, between the ages of 18 and 24 underwent two study sessions separated by a two-week break period. All subjects completed a pre and post Y Balance Test with the experimental group receiving a strenuous lateral step-down fatigue protocol and the control group receiving a 5 minute rest period. The effects of the fatigue protocol on all three directions during the Y Balance Test was significant (p<.05) (ANT P=.001, PM=0.006, PL=0.049).

Our results indicate that fatigue may adversely affect the neuromuscular control of lower extremity. This study represents the importance of neuromuscular control during activity and will help clinicians to further modify their rehabilitation programs to include neuromuscular control prevention.

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