Analysis of postural stability in collegiate soccer players before and after an acute bout of heading multiple soccer balls

Sports Biomech. 2004 Jul;3(2):209-20. doi: 10.1080/14763140408522841.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anthropometry
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Brain Concussion / etiology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Postural Balance*
  • Probability
  • Reaction Time
  • Risk Assessment
  • Soccer / injuries
  • Soccer / physiology*