Evaluating Fitness Assessment as an Early Indicator of Injury Risk in Women Athletes

Background and Purpose: Women athletes are at increased risk of lower-limb injuries due to neuromuscular, biomechanical, and functional factors. Structured and individualized injuryprevention programs have been shown to improve physical performance and reduce injury risk. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a ten-week individualized injury-prevention program on dynamic balance, muscular strength, flexibility, agility, muscular endurance, and aerobic capacity among women athletes. Methodology & Procedure: A single-group experimental design was used with 30 women athletes who underwent baseline assessment followed by a ten-week individualized training program targeting strength, balance, flexibility, agility, neuromuscular control, and aerobic fitness. Post-intervention assessments were performed using the same standardized tests: Y-Balance Test, Hand Grip Strength, Sit-and-Reach Test, T-Test agility, Push-Up Test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Results: All performance measures improved significantly after the intervention, with very large effect sizes. Dynamic balance, strength, flexibility, agility, muscular endurance, and aerobic capacity demonstrated clear and meaningful gains. Conclusion: The individualized injury-prevention program effectively enhanced multiple components of physical fitness among women athletes, supporting its application as a comprehensive and impactful strategy for improving performance and reducing injury risk.