The effects of lower limb realignment program using Balanceshoes on lower limb muscle activity during landing maneuvers in collegiate female volleyball players: time series design

Abstract

We implemented an exercise program using the ReaLine Balanceshoes (GLAB corp.). The aim of this study was to determine if the Balanceshoes program elicit neuromuscular adaptation during landing activities. Six collegiate female volleyball players were enrolled. The subjects performed Balanceshoes exercises. One session taking 15 minutes was executed 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The Balanceshoes is a shoe-type training device aimed for correcting dynamic valgus. The sole of the Balanceshoes remains horizontally balanced only when the knee-over-the-toe position is maintained. A 4-staged progressive exercise program includes slow closedchain strengthening, joint realignment, balancing (biofeedback), feedforward (landing) and plyometric (jumping) components. Neuromuscular activity of 6 muscles was recorded during a single-limb landing and a drop vertical jump maneuvers. Post-intervention electromyographic activities of the semitendinosus (p=0.04) and the semitendinosus/biceps femoris ratio (p=0.046) during the landing phase of the single-limb landing were greater than pre-intervention activities. Post-intervention semitendinosus/biceps femoris ratio (p=0.03) during the prelanding and landing phases and vastus medialis/vastus lateralis ratio (p=0.04) during the landing phase of the drop vertical jump were also greater than pre-intervention activities. Neuromuscular adaptation during landing maneuvers were elicited which would potentially decrease the risk of dynamic valgus.