Preventive efficiency of neuromuscular training in reducing lower limb injuries among youth soccer athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Lower-limb injuries are common in youth soccer. Neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-ups are used, but the preventive effects across injury types in young players are unclear. This review quantified NMT effectiveness for lower-limb injury prevention in 8-18-year-old soccer players. A PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Four databases were searched up to October 2025 using keywords including soccer/football, neuromuscular training, balance, proprioception, plyometrics, injury prevention, ACL, ankle sprain, and hamstring strain. English-language RCTs (January 2000-present) in youth soccer comparing NMT with standard warm-up or no intervention were included; adult (>18 years), non-soccer, and non-RCT studies were excluded. The primary outcome was the incidence of all lower-limb injuries; secondary outcomes were knee, ankle, ligament, and muscle injuries. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were pooled using random-effects models with the Hartung-Knapp adjustment for outcomes in which at least two trials reported exposure time; the remaining outcomes were summarised using a structured narrative synthesis. Heterogeneity was assessed with I Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251207720, identifier CRD420251207720.