The Effect of Time of Day on Static and Dynamic Postural Control in Female and Male Athletes

Postural control and dynamic balance are essential in daily activities and optimal performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of time of day on static and dynamic postural control in athletes. Twenty healthy athletes (10 females: age 21.9±1.59, height 161±4.49, weight 54.1±5.76 and 10 males: age 20.4±0.96, height 174.2±8.17 and weight 66.3±7.66) participated in this study. Subjects had no lower extremity injuries, head injuries and vestibular disorders. Dynamic postural control was assessed with star excursion balance test (SEBT) which included 8 directions. In this study, the anterior, posterior, lateral and medial directions were chosen. The single leg balance test (SLB) was used to measure static postural control in the dominant leg. During a day, static and dynamic postures were measured at 10:00, 15:00 and 20:00. There was a significant difference in static postural control between female and male athletes at 15:00. The findings showed a significant difference in static and dynamic balance of females at 20:00 when compared to 10:00 and 15:00 (P≤0.05). Studies have shown that eccentric and concentric strengths reach their highest level in the evening. In this study, balance reached its highest level in the evening. Therefore, it seems that one of the reasons for the different in postural control at various times of the day was difference and change of strength. However, other factors could be the reason for this difference and further studies are needed to find these factors.