The Effect of Balance and Stability Workouts on the Development of Static and Dynamic Balance in 10-12-Year-Old Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of balance and stability workouts on the development of static and dynamic balance in 10-12-year-old soccer players. The sample of the study was 40 soccer players (n=20 control and n=20 experimental) aged 10-12 years (age=11.2±08). Besides daily training program, soccer players in the experimental group participated in an extra 8-week fitness program which included bosu & swiss ball workouts, balance board workouts, plyometric workouts and bodyweight core stability workouts. Soccer players in the control group only continued their daily routine training. The static and dynamic balance performances of the players in the experimental and control groups were measured using Flamingo Balance Test (FBT) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) before and after the 8-week fitness program. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between pre and post test results regarding both static and dynamic balance performance of the players in the experimental group (p<0.05). Based on the findings, it was concluded that the 8-week fitness program which included bosu & swiss ball workouts, balance board workouts, plyometric workouts and bodyweight core stability workouts contributed to the static and dynamic balance development in 10-12-year-old soccer players.