Dynamic Postural Stability
Conditions
Keywords
Whole-Body Vibration, Balance Training, Dynamic Postural Stability, Soccer Players, Biodex Balance System
Brief summary
The goal of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV), with and without balance exercises, on dynamic postural stability in young male soccer players aged 18-22 years. The main questions it aimed to answer were: * Does whole-body vibration training improve dynamic postural stability in young soccer players? * Does combining whole-body vibration with progressive balance exercises provide greater improvements in dynamic postural stability than whole-body vibration alone? Researchers compared three groups: a control group (CON), a whole-body vibration group (WBV), and a whole-body vibration combined with balance exercises group (WBV+BE). Participants: * Were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. * Completed an eight-week intervention period, with supervised training sessions three times per week in the intervention groups. * Performed progressive balance exercises during vibration exposure in the WBV+BE group. * Underwent dynamic postural stability assessments before and after the intervention using the Biodex Balance System.
Detailed description
Dynamic postural stability is an important component of neuromuscular control in soccer, contributing to the maintenance of balance during sport-specific movements. Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been investigated as a method for improving postural control; however, the additional benefits of combining WBV with progressive balance exercises remain unclear. This randomized controlled study was designed to examine the effects of an eight-week WBV training program, performed with or without balance exercises, on dynamic postural stability in young male soccer players. Participants were randomly allocated to three parallel groups: a control group (CON), a whole-body vibration group (WBV), and a whole-body vibration combined with balance exercises group (WBV+BE). The intervention groups completed supervised training sessions three times per week for eight weeks. The WBV group received vibration exposure without additional balance exercises, whereas the WBV+BE group performed progressive balance exercises during vibration exposure. Dynamic postural stability was assessed before and after the intervention using the Biodex Balance System. The Overall Stability Index (OSI) was used to evaluate changes in postural stability, with lower values indicating better stability. The study was intended to determine whether WBV training improves dynamic postural stability and whether combining WBV with progressive balance exercises provides additional benefits compared with WBV alone.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALWhole-Body Vibration Training
Whole-body vibration training was performed three times per week for eight weeks using a Docamark Vibrapro vibration platform operating in vertical mode at a nominal frequency of 20 Hz and a peak-to-peak amplitude of 2 mm. Each session included a 10-minute warm-up followed by 12 bouts of 60 seconds of vibration exposure, with 30-second rest intervals between bouts and 60-second rest intervals between blocks. Participants performed the intervention barefoot. The same vibration parameters and exposure duration were applied in both the WBV and WBV+BE groups. In the WBV group, participants maintained a bilateral standing position, whereas in the WBV+BE group, progressive balance exercises were performed simultaneously with vibration exposure.
BEHAVIORALBalance Exercises
Progressive balance exercises were performed simultaneously with whole-body vibration exposure three times per week for eight weeks in the WBV+BE group. The exercises included bilateral mini squats, mediolateral weight shifts, anteroposterior weight shifts, and bilateral heel raises. During weeks 1-4, mini squats were performed at approximately 20-30° of knee flexion, with small-amplitude weight shifts and bilateral heel raises. During weeks 5-8, squat depth increased to approximately 30-40°, weight-shift amplitude was progressively increased, and heel raises included a two-second hold. The exercises were performed barefoot with eyes open, using the same vibration exposure duration as the WBV group.
Sponsors
Hamza Budak
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The researcher responsible for Biodex Balance System assessments was unaware of participants' group assignments during outcome measurements. Participants and intervention supervisors were not blinded due to the nature of the exercise interventions.
Intervention model description
This study used a three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled design. Thirty-six young male soccer players were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to a control group (CON; n = 12), a whole-body vibration group (WBV; n = 12), or a whole-body vibration combined with balance exercises group (WBV+BE; n = 12). The intervention period lasted eight weeks, with training sessions conducted three times per week in the intervention groups. All 36 participants completed the study, with no withdrawals or losses to follow-up.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 22 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male soccer players aged 18-22 years. * Active participation in competitive soccer at the Turkish Regional Amateur League (BAL) level. * Regular participation in soccer training four days per week. * Willingness to participate in the eight-week intervention and complete the required assessments. * Provision of written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Current musculoskeletal injury or a condition that could interfere with balance testing or exercise participation. * Known cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological disorders that could affect safe participation or postural stability. * Use of medications known to influence balance or neuromuscular function.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Dynamic Postural Stability (Overall Stability Index) | Baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the final training session (end of week 8). | Dynamic postural stability was assessed using the Overall Stability Index (OSI) obtained from the Biodex Balance System SD. Participants performed single-leg balance testing on their dominant leg at platform stability level 6 with eyes open. Two recorded 30-second trials were performed, and the mean OSI score was used for analysis. Lower OSI values indicate better postural stability. The primary outcome was the change in OSI from baseline to post-intervention. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORHamza Budak
Aksaray University
Outcome results
None listed