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Longitudinal Study Evaluating Postural Balance of Young Athletes
Nili Steinberg1, Dan Nemet2, Michal Pantanowitz2
1Wingate College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel knopp@wincol.ac.il.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|July 16, 2016
Summary
Athletes demonstrate superior postural balance compared to non-athletes. Training can enhance balance, but deficits after anaerobic exercise and seasonally require attention to prevent injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Exercise Science
Background:
- Repeated anaerobic exertion in sports can lead to fatigue and postural balance deficits.
- Improved postural balance in athletes is linked to reduced risk of falls and injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postural balance between young athletes and controls.
- To investigate changes in postural balance over an 8-month training period.
- To assess the impact of repeated sprint anaerobic exercise on postural balance.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 20 athletes and 20 controls (ages 10-15) was studied over one year.
- Postural balance was assessed using the Interactive Balance System (Tetrax device).
- Evaluations occurred pre-, post-, and 10-minutes after a repeated sprint anaerobic test.
Main Results:
- Athletes exhibited significantly better postural balance than controls.
- Distinct patterns of balance change were observed between groups over time.
- Differences in sway frequencies (F1, F6) were noted between athletes and controls.
Conclusions:
- While athletes possess better baseline balance, continuous improvement through training is recommended.
- Particular attention should be paid to balance deficits post-anaerobic stress and seasonally.
- Monitoring and training balance can mitigate injury risk in young athletes.
