Effects of dominance and vision on unipedal balance tests in futsal players using a triaxial accelerometer

Optimal postural control improves performance and reduces the risk of injury in futsal. In this context, wearable accelerometers may detect velocity changes of the centre of mass during a task, enabling the analysis of postural control in different environments. This work aimed to determine the influence of vision and dominance on unipodal static postural balance in non-professional athletes. Twenty-four university male futsal players performed a unipodal balance test to assess their body sway using a triaxial accelerometer. To assess dominance, the preferred limb for kicking the ball was considered, while vision was manipulated by asking participants to close their eyes during the test. Root mean square (RMS) and sample entropy (SaEn) of centre of mass variables were analysed. For statistical analysis, a multivariate analysis of variance model was used. Our results suggest an effect of vision, but not of dominance nor the interaction between vision and limb dominance. Specifically, a higher-acceleration RMS in the mediolateral axis was observed, as well as an increased SaEn in the three axes. To conclude, unipodal postural demand in futsal players under visual input suppression was not influenced by their limb dominancy.