Balance ability and muscle response of the preferred and nonpreferred leg in soccer players

• Published in: Motor control 2009-04, Vol.13 (2), p.218-231
• Main Authors: Gstöttner, Michaela, Neher, Andreas, Scholtz, Arne, Millonig, Martin, Lembert, Sandra, Raschner, Christian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electromyography; Functional Laterality; Humans; Leg; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Postural Balance; Soccer; Soccer - physiology
• ISSN: 1087-1640; 1543-2696
• DOI: 10.1123/mcj.13.2.218

The aim of this study was to evaluate balance abilities and electromyographic (EMG) latency times of the preferred and nonpreferred leg in soccer players. Whereas side differences between the two legs in force, kicking speed, and joint laxity have been demonstrated in athletes in previous studies, no data are so far available on balance differences. Low balance ability is generally associated with an increased risk of ligament injuries, and the detection of a possible asymmetry in balance is important because a bilateral difference may be a contributing factor to injury. Twenty-one amateur soccer players were tested. Two different balance test instruments were used: the Biodex Stability System and the Tetrax System. For the evaluation of muscle latency times, EMGs were recorded by means of the EquiTest system. None of the tests performed in this study revealed statistically significant differences in balance ability between the preferred and the nonpreferred leg. The investigations of balance function and muscle response in amateur soccer players did not reveal significant differences between the preferred and nonpreferred leg in the current study. However, a certain tendency to better balance in the nonpreferred leg was observed.