INTRODUCTION:
Few studies have correlated the balance measurements based in functional tests and force platform in athletes.
OBJECTIVE:
to determine the relationship between three functional balance tests with the main measurements of the force platform in athletes.
METHODOLOGY:
Fifteen female athletes, indoor soccer and handball players, aged between 13 and 17 years, participated of this study. The athletes performed tree functional tests: 1) the star excursion balance test, 2) the lateral jump, and 3) the figure eight test; as well as the one leg-stance test on a force platform with the eyes open for 30 seconds. The parameters of center of pressure (COP) of the foot were calculated by stabilographic analysis. For all the tests (functional and platform), tree trials attempts were made, and the mean value retained for the analyses.
RESULTS:
The correlations between the functional tests and the force platform were from r = 0.01 to -0.69 (weak to moderate), depending on the COP variable. The best correlations (r = -0.69) were found between the star excursion balance test and the COP area, indicating that when a greater distance was reached, the better the postural balance. Secondly, a weak to moderate correlation was found between the figure eight test and COP area (e.g. r = 0.43). The side hop test did not present good correlation with the values obtained on the force platform.
CONCLUSION:
This study shows that to evaluate balance in athletes practicing indoor soccer and handball, the Star excursion balance test may be used in the absence of a force platform, to identify possible balance deficits.
athletes; posture; physical therapy; rehabilitation; sports
