Comparison of Static and Dynamic Balance in Different Athletes

Balance is a key component of motor skills ranging from maintaining posture to executing complex sport skills. The aim of this study was to compare static and dynamic balance in athletes of gymnastic, soccer, basketball, swimming and nonathletes. 40 female athletes with five years of athletic experience (gymnasts: n=10, age 14.50±0.31 years, height 155.20±7.75 cm, mass 49.70±3.91 kg, soccer players: n=10, age 22.80±1.45 years, height 160.60±5.12cm, mass 52.95±4.87kg, basketball players: n=10, age 21.60±1.07 years, height 165.5± 6.75 cm, mass 57.43±6.27 kg), swimmers: n=10, age 23.30±1.63 years, height 163.5±5.46 cm, mass 55.50±4.42 kg) and 10 female non-athletes (n = 10, age 23.70±0.94 years, height 161.40±3.27 cm, mass 54.60±3.54 kg and without athletic experience) participated in this study. Static balance was assessed using the balance error scoring system (BESS) and dynamic balance was assessed using the star excursion balance test (SEBT). Data were analyzed by ANOVA test (p≤0.05). BESS error scores for the gymnastics group were significantly lower than the swimming group and nonathlete group. These scores in the soccer group were lower than swimming group (p≤0.05). Star excursion balance test scores were higher in the gymnastics group than the basketball group and non-athlete group and in the soccer group than nonathlete group (p≤0.05). It was observed that swimmers enjoyed lower static balance and basketball players enjoyed lower dynamic balance; this may be a strong predictor of future ankle sprains. Therefore, athletic trainers and coaches are advised to perform regular screening programs using balance test of BESS and SEBT, and to assess the athletes’ balance so that they can recognize those with poor balance.