Description
Objectives*Football requires a combination of diverse movements such as jumping, acceleration, and change of direction,
and technical skills like shooting and passing, all of which demand flexibility, strength, and stability. This study
investigated the relationship between dynamic balance, ankle flexibility, and strength in young football
players.
Materials and Methods
Twenty-two adolescents (mean age: 14.8 ± 0.6 years, body mass of 63.1 ± 10.6 kg, height of 174.5 ± 6.5 cm, BMI
of 20.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2, training volume of 7.5±1.5 hours per week, and experience 8.2 ± 1.4 years) were assessed.
Dynamic balance was assessed using the total stability index (TSI) measured during the 30s one leg stance
with eyes open on the ProKin 252 stabilometric platform. The active range of motions in the plantar flexion
(PF) and dorsal flexion (DF), inversion (IV), and eversion (EV) were measured using a goniometer. Peak
isometric strength of the shin muscles was assessed in all directions of PF, DF, IV, and EV using a handheld
dynamometer. All measurements were taken for dominant (D) and Non-dominant leg (ND).
Results
Statistically significant negative correlations were observed between TSI and PF D/ND (r=-0.53,-0.48, p=0.01,
0.02) and DF D/ND(r=-0.68,-0.64,p=0.001). However, no significant correlation was detected between TSI and IV,
EV in either leg. A significant correlation was found between TSI and ankle strength in all measured
directions.
Conclusions
Ankle joints’ flexibility and shin muscle strength are significant predictors of dynamic balance. Low dynamic
balance scores were associated with better ankle performance. Therefore, involving resistance exercises like a
combination of balance and plyometrics in regular training is highly recommended to improve balance, ankle
flexibility, and strength.
| Period | 28 Mar 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | RSU Research week 2025 |
| Event type | Conference |
| Organiser | Rīga Stradiņš University |
| Location | Rīga, LatviaShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |
Keywords
- balance
- range of motions
- talocrural joint
- shin muscle strength
- football
Field of Science
- 6.5 Other humanities