Assessing postural balance control in young dinghy sailors pre, during and post training sessions

This study examined the acute effect of training on postural balance among young dinghy sailors. By measuring sway path and sway area of the center of pressure (CoP), the objective was to investigate whether training sessions on dinghy sailboat influence sway path and sway area measurements.

Twelve competitive sailors (Optimist and Laser Radial class) performed a set of balance tests on both stable and unstable surfaces, with open and closed eyes, measured over three days. The first day served to familiarize the participants with the protocol. On the second and third days, CoP sway path and sway areas were assessed before, during and after the training session using a Wii Balance Board (WBB).

A general improvement in balance control was observed in most of the measured parameters. Statistical analysis (RM ANOVA) revealed significant reductions in sway path and sway area with closed eyes on an unstable surface comparing pre-, during- and post- measurement on the second day (p < 0.05), and for sway path with open and closed eyes on an unstable surface on the third day (p < 0.05).

Findings of the present study show a short-term effect of sailing sessions on balance, suggesting that a single training session can induce acute improvements in postural control among young athletes. It is possible that the observed acute improvements are associated with immediate neuromuscular adaptation following sailing activity, specifically due to the unpredictable and dynamic environment in which sailing takes place. However, the temporal duration of this effect appears to be limited. As balance is an essential skill in sailing performance, future studies should investigate long-term effects and retention of training-induced improvements in postural control.