Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized training program to improve lower limb muscle strength and balance in professional female rugby 7 players. Given the strong association between postural stability, muscle strength and injury risk among athletes, and given the high incidence of injuries in rugby, preventive measures are warranted. Methods: The study group consisted of 15 rugby 7s players (aged: 25.53 ± 4.58 years) who trained at least 3 times per week and had a minimum of 2 years of training experience. They underwent an 8-week training program (2 times per week) based on the Fifa-11 and Activate protocols. Anthropometric measurements, postural stability assessment using a stabilographic platform, and maximal muscle torque were measured in the participants. Results: After completing the program, the players achieved significantly better values in static stabilographic indicators with closed eyes: overall stability index (OSI) (P< .05), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) (P< .01), and medial-lateral stability index (MLSI) (P< .01). Additionally, dynamic indices at various levels of platform instability showed improvement: fall risk index (FRI12-6) (P< .01) and FRI6-2 (P< .001). An increase in the strength of the thigh extensors (right- R: P= .001; left- L: P< .01) and flexors (R: P< .05; L: P< .05) was also observed. Conclusions: The standard training for rugby players should be supplemented with exercises from the proposed intervention to improve muscle strength and postural stability and thereby enhance proprioception.
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