Volume 34, Issue 6 (9-2026)
JSSU 2026, 34(6): 10336-10344 |
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Ghanbari M, Saki F, Ahadi F. Comparison of Stop X Exercises with and Without Ankle Mobility Training on Proprioception and Landing Pattern in Adolescent Soccer Players with Dynamic Knee Valgus: A Randomized clinical Trial. JSSU 2026; 34 (6) :10336-10344
URL: http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-6633-en.html
URL: http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-6633-en.html
Abstract: (24 Views)
Introduction: The STOP-X training protocol was designed to optimize neuromuscular control, enhance proprioception, and improve landing mechanics. Although effective, evidence suggests that restricted ankle mobility may limit optimal performance; therefore, adding ankle mobility exercises has been proposed as a complementary intervention to facilitate kinetic chain mechanics. This study aimed to compare the effects of STOP-X training with and without ankle mobility exercises on proprioceptive indices and landing patterns in adolescent soccer players with dynamic knee valgus.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 30 adolescent male soccer players aged 12–14 years with dynamic knee valgus. After screening for eligibility and obtaining informed consent, participants were randomly assigned using Random Number Generator software into two groups of 15: a control group (STOP-X alone) and an experimental group (STOP-X plus ankle mobility exercises). The outcome assessor was blinded to group allocation. Both groups underwent an 8‑week rehabilitation program, three sessions per week, with session duration progressively increasing from 25 to 40 minutes. The STOP-X protocol included running drills, balance exercises, plyometrics with emphasis on proper landing, and lower‑extremity and core strengthening, all progressed via overload principles. The experimental group performed 15 minutes of ankle mobility exercises—including myofascial release of plantar flexors, dynamic stretching, dorsiflexion drills, and resisted dorsiflexion/plantarflexion with elastic bands—prior to STOP‑X training. Knee proprioception was assessed using a joint position reproduction error test at a target angle of 45°, and landing mechanics were evaluated with the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Data were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS version 16, controlling for pretest values, with significance set at P<0.05.
Results: Both training protocols significantly improved proprioception and landing mechanics. However, between‑group comparisons showed that the combined STOP‑X and ankle mobility group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in proprioception (P=0.039) and greater reduction in landing errors (P=0.001) compared to the STOP‑X‑only group.
Conclusion: While STOP‑X training alone effectively improves proprioception and landing mechanics, its combination with ankle mobility exercises yields superior functional gains. These improvements likely result from enhanced kinetic chain function and reduced biomechanical constraints at the ankle, contributing to decreased dynamic knee valgus. Therefore, integrating neuromuscular training with ankle mobility exercises is recommended as a more comprehensive strategy for preventing lower‑extremity injuries in adolescent soccer players.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 30 adolescent male soccer players aged 12–14 years with dynamic knee valgus. After screening for eligibility and obtaining informed consent, participants were randomly assigned using Random Number Generator software into two groups of 15: a control group (STOP-X alone) and an experimental group (STOP-X plus ankle mobility exercises). The outcome assessor was blinded to group allocation. Both groups underwent an 8‑week rehabilitation program, three sessions per week, with session duration progressively increasing from 25 to 40 minutes. The STOP-X protocol included running drills, balance exercises, plyometrics with emphasis on proper landing, and lower‑extremity and core strengthening, all progressed via overload principles. The experimental group performed 15 minutes of ankle mobility exercises—including myofascial release of plantar flexors, dynamic stretching, dorsiflexion drills, and resisted dorsiflexion/plantarflexion with elastic bands—prior to STOP‑X training. Knee proprioception was assessed using a joint position reproduction error test at a target angle of 45°, and landing mechanics were evaluated with the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Data were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS version 16, controlling for pretest values, with significance set at P<0.05.
Results: Both training protocols significantly improved proprioception and landing mechanics. However, between‑group comparisons showed that the combined STOP‑X and ankle mobility group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in proprioception (P=0.039) and greater reduction in landing errors (P=0.001) compared to the STOP‑X‑only group.
Conclusion: While STOP‑X training alone effectively improves proprioception and landing mechanics, its combination with ankle mobility exercises yields superior functional gains. These improvements likely result from enhanced kinetic chain function and reduced biomechanical constraints at the ankle, contributing to decreased dynamic knee valgus. Therefore, integrating neuromuscular training with ankle mobility exercises is recommended as a more comprehensive strategy for preventing lower‑extremity injuries in adolescent soccer players.
Type of Study: Original article |
Subject:
Exercise Physiology
Received: 2026/02/2 | Accepted: 2026/05/13 | Published: 2026/09/6
Received: 2026/02/2 | Accepted: 2026/05/13 | Published: 2026/09/6
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