The Influence of Balance Training on Regulation of Postural Balance in Physically Active Girls

Abstract

The aim of the work was to study the influence of balance training on the regulation of the balance of the monosupport posture of young physically active girls (n = 26, 17–21 years old). For 10 weeks (3 times a week), 13 girls trained according to the program of training the ability to maintain balance in postures on unstable (balance-simulators) and supports limited in area, and 13 girls made up the “Control”. The stability of the monosupport posture was analyzed by the speed and area of fluctuations in the common center of pressure (COP) in static (in a stance on a fixed stabiloplatform with open (OE) and closed (CE) eyes) and semi-dynamic conditions (in a stance at low h = 12 cm with OE and CE and high h = 30 cm see-saw with CE). Strength abilities of the thigh muscles and extensibility of the calf muscles were recorded using functional tests. Proprioceptive sensitivity was defined as an reproduction error of the tilt of the straight body in the ankle joint. Compared with the “Control” group, the trained girls showed an significant increase in the strength endurance of the hip extensors and flexors, the accuracy of reproduction of the inclination of the vertical body, as well as the stability of the monosupport posture in static and semi-dynamic positions only with closed eyes. Effect size of the balance-training was greatest in improving the postural stability on the see-saw with CE. The suggested mechanisms for improving postural stability are an increase in the strength abilities of the leg muscles and the specific proprioceptive sensitivity of the postural system.