OBJECTIVES The aim of this review study was to proposes a new paradigm of functional injury prevention(FIP) based on analysis of the effects of sports injury prevention(SIP) and functional training(FT).METHODS The literature used in the study is based on the electronic database and international papers published from 2014 to 2021 related to functional training were searched, screened and evaluated by using the follow keywords: functional training, sports injury, rehabilitation, and prevention.RESULTS FT was divided into the concept of training both improving the sports performance and restoring physical function in the field of rehabilitation. In two areas, FT and SIP are somewhat different in approach method, object and environment, but they are highly correlated that both the activation of proprioceptive sensation and integrated neuromuscular function are reflected in training program. Especially, intrinsic injury factors such as reduced physical ability, skills and conditioning are associated with reduction of sports performance and increased sports injury. In addition, decreased proprioceptive sensation and neuromuscular function is a typical symptom of reduction of sports performance and injury. Therefore, FIP is needed as a training program that not only to prevent sports injury but also to improve sports performance.CONCLUSIONS In this review study, FIP is propose as a new paradigm combining SIP and FT. The follow-up study of FIP should be reviewed on athletes, club members and the general public for the development of programs to prevent sports injury and improve sports performance and the effects by sports events, body parts and age.

Knowledge is limited regarding how neuromuscular training, conducted before and after soccer training, affects the fitness levels of youth soccer players. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effects of an eight-week neuromuscular training (NMT) program implemented before or after a soccer session on physical fitness in youth soccer players. Thirty-two youth soccer players were categorized into two groups—namely, NMT before soccer-specific training (NBS; n = 15) and NMT after soccer-specific training (NAS; n = 17). NMT comprised integrated resistance, dynamic stability, core, and plyometric training three times weekly and was conducted for 8 weeks. Before and after the exercise intervention, the counter-movement jump (CMJ) and 10 and 20 m sprint were analyzed, and the results of the T-agility test, Illinois change of direction test (ICDT), and Y-balance test were assessed for all participants. In terms of the interaction between the effects of the time of observation and group, both groups showed improvement in the results of the 10 m sprint and T-agility and Y-balance tests. Regarding the difference in the time of observation, the NBS group showed positive improvements in the results of the CMJ, 10 and 20 m sprints, and T-agility test after the exercise intervention, and the NAS group showed positive improvements in the results of the CMJ, 10 m sprint, T-agility test, and ICDT after the exercise intervention. These findings suggest that neuromuscular training has the potential to improve the 10 m sprint ability and T-agility test results of youth soccer players, regardless of the training sequence.

PURPOSE:This study aimed to examine the effects of non-face-to-face learning on health-related physical fitness and balance in adolescents according to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).METHODS:Twenty-nine middle-school students (14 girls and 15 boys) were enrolled. We measured the students’ health-related physical fitness (body composition, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and cardiac endurance) and balance (static and dynamic) before and after 12 weeks of non-face-to-face learning without any exercise intervention. Cardiac endurance was measured using the Harvard step test.RESULTS: Body fat, muscle strength (hip flexion, hip extension, knee flexion, knee extension), and Y-balance test exhibited significant differences before and after non-face-to-face learning (p<.05). Body fat, muscle strength (hip flexion, hip extension), and Y-Balance test exhibited significant differences in the female group (p<.05). Hip extension muscle strength exhibited a significant difference in the male group (p<.05). Analysis of covariance showed that muscle strength (hip extension and knee extension) and Harvard step of the female group were significantly decreased compared to the male group (p<.05).CONCLUSIONS: Non-face-to-face classes according to COVID-19 had a negative effect on health-related physical fitness and balance in adolescents. Particularly, the muscle strength and cardiac endurance of female adolescents were lower than those of male adolescents.

Backgrounds/Objectives: Adolescent soccer players are exposed to elevated injury risk due to rapid musculoskeletal development and high physical demands. Neuromuscular training (NMT) and speed–agility–quickness (SAQ) training are widely used to enhance performance and reduce injury risk in youth athletes. While both approaches are effective, comparative evidence regarding their modality-specific performance adaptations remains limited. Furthermore, few studies have discussed how such performance data may inform evidence-based or data-driven training selection in youth sports contexts. Methods: Thirty-six male youth soccer players with at least three years of playing experience, affiliated with Team A in Gyeonggi-do and Team B in Chungcheongbuk-do, participated in the study (NMTG, n = 21; SAQG, n = 15). Participants completed either an NMT or SAQ training program for eight weeks. To objectively assess exercise performance, pre- and post-tests were conducted measuring dynamic balance, vertical jump, zigzag run, and carioca. Results: Findings revealed a significant main effect of time for lower limb power (p < 0.05), but no significant group × time interaction, indicating that both NMTG and SAQG improved significantly over the 8-week period. Conversely, significant interaction effects were found for agility (p < 0.001), with SAQG demonstrating superior enhancements compared to NMTG. Dynamic balance showed no significant time effect or interaction. Conclusions: While NMTG and SAQG are equally effective for enhancing lower limb power, SAQG provides modality-specific advantages for agility in youth soccer players. These results emphasize time-dependent adaptations for power and the distinct benefits of SAQG for multi-directional speed. These adaptation profiles offer a data-driven framework for optimizing training selection in youth athletes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of soft tissue stiffness on joint range of motion and athletic performance in soccer players.METHODS: Fifteen adult male soccer players participated in the study. After the warm-up, calf muscle and Achilles tendon stiffness were measured. Subsequently, range of motion of the ankle joint and 30 m sprint and vertical jump were performed. Exercise performance was assessed as a field test to create an experimental environment similar to that of actual training and competition.RESULTS: Achilles tendon stiffness showed a significant correlation with the 30 m sprint and the vertical jump (p<.05). A moderate correlation was observed between the 30 m sprint and the vertical jump(p<.01). Soleus muscle stiffness was significantly correlated with the 30 m sprint(p<.05). No other correlations were observed.CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it was confirmed that Achilles tendon stiffness affects exercise performance. In a follow-up study, it was necessary to confirm the effect of the stiffness of various soft tissues on exercise performance.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of dynamic warm-up (DW), including DW and self-myofascial release (SMFR), on soft tissue stiffness and exercise performance.METHODS: Eight adult men participated in this study. The procedure was conducted twice every 2 weeks. Soft tissue stiffness measurements and exercise performance were performed as a pre-post-test. DW only and DW with SMFR were performed as an exercise intervention for the two groups, respectively.RESULTS: In the group conducted solely by DW, the stiffness of the gastrocnemius and rectus femoris muscles increased (p<.05), and in the DW group including SMFR, the stiffness of the rectus femoris muscle (p<.01) and biceps femoris muscle increased (p<.05). The Achilles and patellar tendon showed no significant changes in either group. A significant increase was observed in both the DW group and the DW group containing SMFR in the 30 m sprint (p<.01). The vertical jump (VJ) showed no significant change in both groups.CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, DW, including DW with SMFR, increased muscle stiffness, specifically through a 30-m sprint. In a followup study, it is considered necessary to investigate the effect of the VJ through the development of a DW program that changes the stiffness of tendons.