The effects of comprehensive warm-up programs on proprioception, static and dynamic balance on male soccer players.

Abdolhamid Daneshjoo,Abdul Halim Mokhtar,Ashril Yusof,Nader Rahnama,Alejandro Lucia

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0051568

Abdolhamid Daneshjoo, Abdul Halim Mokhtar + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051568

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Abstract

PurposeThe study investigated the effects of FIFA 11+ and HarmoKnee, both being popular warm-up programs, on proprioception, and on the static and dynamic balance of professional male soccer players.MethodsUnder 21 year-old soccer players (n = 36) were divided randomly into 11+, HarmoKnee and control groups. The programs were performed for 2 months (24 sessions). Proprioception was measured bilaterally at 30°, 45° and 60° knee flexion using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Static and dynamic balances were evaluated using the stork stand test and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively.ResultsThe proprioception error of dominant leg significantly decreased from pre- to post-test by 2.8% and 1.7% in the 11+ group at 45° and 60° knee flexion, compared to 3% and 2.1% in the HarmoKnee group. The largest joint positioning error was in the non-dominant leg at 30° knee flexion (mean error value = 5.047), (p<0.05). The static balance with the eyes opened increased in the 11+ by 10.9% and in the HarmoKnee by 6.1% (p<0.05). The static balance with eyes closed significantly increased in the 11+ by 12.4% and in the HarmoKnee by 17.6%. The results indicated that static balance was significantly higher in eyes opened compared to eyes closed (p = 0.000). Significant improvements in SEBT in the 11+ (12.4%) and HarmoKnee (17.6%) groups were also found.ConclusionBoth the 11+ and HarmoKnee programs were proven to be useful warm-up protocols in improving proprioception at 45° and 60° knee flexion as well as static and dynamic balance in professional male soccer players. Data from this research may be helpful in encouraging coaches or trainers to implement the two warm-up programs in their soccer teams.

Highlights

Balance or postural control can be defined as the ability to maintain a base of support with minimal movement and as the ability to perform a task while maintaining a stable position
In the dominant leg of the 11+ group, results indicated a decreasing of mean error (p,0.05) by 2.8% and1.7% at 45u, 60u respectively
The results showed significant decrease in the dominant leg of the HarmoKnee group 3%, and 2.1% at 45u, 60u respectively

Summary

Introduction

Balance or postural control can be defined as the ability to maintain a base of support with minimal movement and as the ability to perform a task while maintaining a stable position. Balance is maintained through dynamic integration of internal and external forces and factors involving the environment [1,2,3]. The regulation of balance depends on the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive stimuli [2,3,4]. Static balance may be assessed by having an individual maintain a motionless position while standing on one or both legs [5]. Dynamic balance can be assessed by controlling the centre of mass with one leg while the other leg is reaching for maximum distance. The dynamic balance test has a greater demand on the balance and neuromuscular-control systems [6,7]

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