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Dynamic Stability in Gymnasts, Non-balance Athletes, and Active Controls

Abstract

Sloanhoffer, H.S., McCrory, J.L., FASCM. Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Gymnastics by nature is a balance sport requiring both static and dynamic stability. To our knowledge, static and dynamic postural stability of gymnasts has not been compared to other types of athletes of the same caliber and active non-athlete controls. Purpose: To investigate whether or not NCAA gymnasts have greater postural stability than NCAA athletes in other sports and non-athletes. Methods: Data were collected on 7 gymnasts (G), 7 non-balance athletes (NBA), and 6 active non-athlete controls (NAC). Following informed consent, subjects were tested on a posturography device to assess center of pressure (COP) movement during static and dynamic conditions. Static balance was measured using the 6-condition Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and dynamic balance (toes-up and toes-down tilt) was measured using the Adaptation Test (ADT). Mediolateral sway (ML sway), anterioposterior sway (AP sway), COP displacement (COPD) and COP velocity (COPV) were determined for the SOT, and initial sway, total sway, and sway velocity were calculated for the ADT. A two factor ANOVA was performed (group x condition) on each of these variables (α=0.05). Tukey post-hoc tests were performed where appropriate (α=0.05). Results: ML sway was significantly less (pConclusion: Based on these data, G and other NBA share similar dynamic stability. Both G and NBA display greater mediolateral stability compared to NAC. Future research should investigate the biomechanics of these athletes when their balance is challenge.

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