title: Effect of playing football (soccer) on balance, strength, and quality of life in unilateral below-knee amputees.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of playing football (soccer) on balance, muscle strength, locomotor capabilities, and health-related quality of life in subjects with unilateral below-knee amputation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional controlled study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Difference in KAT dynamic balance scores obtained 3 days after was statistically significant in the study group (P < 0.05) but not in the control group (P > 0.05). Differences in static balance test scores was statistically significant between the groups (P < 0.05) in favor of the study group. In isokinetic evaluation, differences in flexion and extension peak torque measures of the lower extremities were not statistically significant between the groups (P > 0.05). Differences in Houghton and Berg balance scales were not found statistically significant between the groups (P > 0.05). Differences in Locomotor Capabilities Index and in the SF-36 in physical functioning, physical role, pain, and emotional role between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05) in favor of the study group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results show that playing football may have positive effects on balance and health-related quality of life in unilateral below-knee amputees.
authors: From the Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation and Care Centre, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Kamil
authors: K
authors: Yazicioglu
authors: Mehmet Ali
authors: MA
authors: Taskaynatan
authors: Umut
authors: U
authors: Guzelkucuk
authors: Ilknur
authors: I
authors: Tugcu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D053580:Muscle Strength; D004856:Postural Balance; D011788:Quality of Life; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*