BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular training of the upper extremities has been demonstrated to improve functional indices and to be a trauma prevention measure in certain branches of sport, yet data on the effect of neuromuscular training on the indices of handball players` functional status are scarce. METHODS: The study included 16 professional handball players, aged 20-35 years, with >10 years of training, without any upper extremity traumas over the period of >1 year, and without any complaints of pain. They underwent a month-long program of 30-minute-long neuromuscular training exercises 3 times per week. Scapular dyskinesis, upper extremity dynamic stability and muscle strength were assessed prior and after the program. RESULTS: After neuromuscular training, the manifestations of scapular dyskinesis decreased (P<0.05), the dynamic stability and muscle strength of the upper extremities improved (P<0.05). We found a direct relation between shoulder abduction muscle strength and the results of the Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test in the non-dominant arm, a direct relation between the results of the Y Balance Test and the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test in the dominant arm, and a direct relation between the strength of muscles responsible for shoulder internal rotation and external rotation in the dominant arm after neuromuscular training. CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that neuromuscular training program may be beneficial for improving scapular dyskinesis, upper extremity dynamic stability, and muscle strength of handball players.
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