Abstract
Dynamic postural control is challenged during many actions in sport such as when landing or cutting. A decrease of dynamic postural control is one possible risk factor for non-contact injuries. Moreover, these injuries mainly occur under loading conditions. Hence, to assess an athlete’s injury risk properly, it is essential to know how dynamic postural control is influenced by physical load. Therefore, the study’s objective was to examine the influence of maximal anaerobic load on dynamic postural control. Sixty-four sport students (32 males and 32 females, age: 24.11 ± 2.42, height: 175.53 ± 8.17 cm, weight: 67.16 ± 10.08 kg) were tested with the Y-Balance Test before and after a Wingate Anaerobic Test on a bicycle ergometer. In both legs, reach distances (anterior) and composite scores were statistically significantly reduced immediately after the loading protocol. The values almost returned to pre-load levels in about 20 min post-load. Overall, findings indicate an acute negative effect of load on dynamic postural control and a higher potential injury risk during a period of about 20 min post-load. To assess an athlete’s sports-specific injury risk, we recommend testing dynamic postural control under loaded conditions.
Highlights
Balance or postural control can be prescribed as a human’s ability to resist perturbations and maintain stability [1,2]
The results show a negative influence of physical load on dynamic postural control immediately after the loading protocol, a successive increase after the load, and a return to almost baseline levels
This supports the findings of Johnston et al [3], who found a negative effect of a Wingate Anaerobic Test on dynamic postural control measured with the Y-Balance Test (YBT)
Summary
Balance or postural control can be prescribed as a human’s ability to resist perturbations and maintain stability [1,2]. It is distinguished between static and dynamic postural control and balance. Whereas “dynamic balance involves maintaining an upright posture while (a) the center of gravity and base of support are moving and (b) the center of gravity is moving outside the base of support (for example, in walking)” [2] Dynamic postural control is important in many sports where dynamic actions such as landings or cuttings are present and require reactive and compensatory movements [4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
