5. Conclusions
The results of this training intervention show no statistically significant between-group differences. This suggests that benefits derived from running on uneven and soft natural terrain as opposed to a more flat and concrete road surface in respect to static and dynamic balance, gait, agility, and lower limb strength should not be overrated. Based on current knowledge and the outcomes of this study, no well-founded recommendations for an integrative training approach in regard to trail running and the prevention of falls and fall-related injuries can be given. More research is needed on the influence of running on trails or similar natural surfaces on different neuromuscular performance parameters.Nevertheless, the findings of this intervention indicate slightly more beneficial tendencies for balance and leg strength improvements when running on trails as opposed to road; and, therefore, potential benefits for the prevention of falls and fall-related injuries. While a significant time-effect between pre- and post-testing in static balance was recorded for both groups (For more detailed and specific results, future studies should target larger group sizes of recreational runners within smaller age ranges and in a longitudinal approach over a longer time period. Moreover, the scope of the intervention should be limited to one particular neuromuscular parameter. Thereby, the combined effects for cardiovascular and neuromuscular performance factors from running on different surfaces might be disentangled more clearly. Finally, repeating this study in an older, untrained population and tracking at-home falls throughout a pre-determined follow-up period (e.g., over 5-years) post intervention could yield more precise commentary regarding TRAIL’s effectiveness in or lack of promoting better neuromuscular coordination.