Differences in Collegiate and Recreationally Trained Male Soccer Players on Balance and Stability Measures

Event Center A & B

Balance is an important skill needed for the execution of movements in sports. For soccer players, balance allows the athlete to successfully execute quick directional changes. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the differences in collegiate and recreationally trained male soccer players on balance measures. Methods: Thirteen Division III collegiate trained (age 23.22 ± 3.42yrs) and nine recreationally trained male soccer players (age 20.54 ± 1.76yrs) volunteered to participate in one familiarization and one testing session. During familiarization, the participants performed a dynamic warm-up, followed by three balance tests on the Biodex Balance System. The balance tests consisted of Static Balance (SB), Limits of Stability (LOS), and Single Leg Balance (SLB). Participants returned to the laboratory at least 24hrs following familiarization session and balance was assessed with the same three balance tests. The SB, SLB, and LOS test measured degrees from horizontal and the LOS test also measured time to completion. The static outcome variables measured anterior, posterior, right, and left sway from a center point. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to analyze differences between the recreational and collegiate soccer players in all SB, LOS, and SLB variables. Results: There were no significant (p>0.05) differences between groups in the LOS, SB, and SLB variables. Conclusion: These results show there is no difference between division three collegiate soccer players and recreationally trained soccer players in balance control in static and dynamic conditions. Practical Application: The lack of difference between the collegiate and recreationally trained soccer players in balance measures may be due to the type of training done at a Division III level. The DIII athlete’s balance should improve with the implementation of a strength and conditioning program, which will increase their strength and stability