Postural sway in adolescent athletes: a comparison among volleyball, basketball and gymnastics players

BACKGROUND: The analysis of the postural control in adolescent athletes could provide information useful to reduce the risk of injuries or identify possible talents. The aim of the present study was to compare static balance among young athletes currently competing or training in volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics. METHODS: Forty-five young female athletes (volleyball, N.=15; basketball, N.=15; gymnastic, N.=15) were quantitatively assessed by means of a pressure platform and the center of pressure (CoP) pattern was analyzed. The participants were required to maintain an upright standing position for 30 seconds with Open Eyes (OE) and then with Closed Eyes (CE). RESULTS: In OE condition, gymnastic athletes are characterized by higher CoP velocity and length then basketball and volleyball, while the two latter were found not statistically different. In CE condition, such result persists and the comparison of basketball vs. volleyball athletes shows a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained in this study could provide insight into the development of specific postural strategies required by a particular sport. The identification of postural deficits is particularly important in young athletes, because, if found in advance, specific interventions and balance training could reduce the risk of injury and the development of sport related pathological strategies.