Analysis of postural stability in collegiate soccer players before and after an acute bout of heading multiple soccer balls.
The aim of our study was to determine if any immediate changes in balance were discernable in college soccer players after a specially designed heading session. Eight male and two female skilled collegiate soccer players had a baseline balance pre-test using the Balance Master, followed by heading 20 balls kicked consecutively by a teammate from the touchline to a point near the goal, which was followed by a post-test using the same testing technique. Paired t-tests were used to compare balance ability between pre- and post-test conditions. There was no difference in balance pre- to post-test (85.3% and 86.2% respectively). No significant difference was noted from pre- to post-test in the mean equilibrium scores for conditions three through six on the Sensory Organization Test, with the exception of condition four, which revealed a significant increase from pre- to post-test. We concluded that an acute session of heading soccer balls may not result in balance changes in collegiate soccer players.
Mangus
Brent C
BC
Department of Kinesiology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.
Wallmann
Harvey W
HW
Ledford
Matthew
M
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000209:etiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D004856:Postural Balance; D011336:Probability; D011930:Reaction Time; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*