by University of Tsukuba

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed a method for classifying the balance ability of athletes into two-leg and one-leg types for each sport using quantitative indexes.

This method reveals the balance characteristics of each sport, such as gymnasts with superior two-leg and one-leg balance ability, but soccer athletes with superior balance ability in only one leg.

The study is published in the journal Healthcare.

The balance ability required by athletes differs by sport, and knowledge of the balance characteristics of each sport can help devise more effective balance training. A unified evaluation index must be used for this purpose. The frequency of two-leg and one-leg standing varies significantly by event, which may reflect the balance characteristics of each sport.

Determining the balance components (e.g., height, leg strength, and sensation) is also helpful in planning training. In this study, researchers investigated the balance characteristics of each sport using the modified index of postural stability (mIPS) in two- and one-leg stance durations with eyes closed (OLS), as well as the related factors.

The survey results of 213 university students and boat race trainees revealed that gymnasts excelled in two-leg and one-leg balance, whereas boat racers excelled in two-leg balance.

Swimmers demonstrated inferior two-leg balance but superior one-leg balance, and soccer, judo, and baseball athletes demonstrated superior one-leg balance. Regarding the factors related to balance ability, mIPS was higher in individuals with shorter stature, stronger knee extensors, and more acute foot sensation, whereas OLS was higher in individuals with shorter stature and greater skeletal muscle mass.

Considering these balance characteristics and the factors related to balance ability could contribute to the development of novel, more effective training programs for each sport.

More information: Yasuhiro Suzuki et al, Balance Ability Characteristics and Related Factors in Athletes Across Different Sports: A Preliminary Study, Healthcare (2024). DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12222240

Provided by University of Tsukuba