Comparative analysis of vertical posture control in athletes differing in expertise

Abstract

The balance control was studied in athletes with different degrees of expertise in sports: masters of sports (MSs, n = 18) and candidates for masters of sports (CMSs, n = 13). The balance function was assessed by means of a stabilographic system (Rhythm, Russia) in static tests, including the simple bipedal stance (BS) and squat (SQ) positions, as well as in dynamic tests, including Involute, evaluating the tracking movement and, Step Input, assessing the response of the whole body to a visuomotor task. It was found that MSs did not differ in the linear or angular velocity of oscillations of the center of pressure (CP) in the BS or SQ positions from CMSs with the same anthropometric data, PWC170, and trunk strength. MSs exhibited a relative dominance of low-frequency oscillations in spectral analysis in the BS test with the eyes open. In the Step Input test, MSs had a lower latent period of response and a greater speed and accuracy of the forward and backward body movements in response to the visual signals and exhibited a relative dominance of high-frequency oscillations. The results showed that MSs had an improved postural control, which was mainly expressed in the dynamic test for the speed and accuracy of the whole-body response to visual signals in the vertical posture.