Investigating the Effectiveness of an Exercise Protocol for Dynamic Balance in Amateur Female Soccer Players: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Shirley Mireya Ortiz Pérez; David Marcelo Guevara Hernández; Vanessa de los Ángeles  Belloso de Noriega; Fernando Daniel Álvarez Maigualema

doi:10.18502/jmr.v19i2.18349

Shirley Mireya Ortiz Pérez Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Chimborazo. Riobamba, Ecuador.
David Marcelo Guevara Hernández Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Chimborazo. Riobamba, Ecuador.
Vanessa de los Ángeles Belloso de Noriega Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Fernando Daniel Álvarez Maigualema Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v19i2.18349

Keywords: Proprioception; Postural balance; Soccer; Exercise therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Women’s soccer and preventive training strategies have gained popularity in the last decade; accordingly, this study determines the effectiveness of a dynamic balance exercise protocol in amateur soccer players.

Materials and Methods: A total of 24 females participated in this study and were randomly assigned to a control (n=12) and an experimental group (n=12). The experimental group received a dynamic balance exercise intervention with three weekly sessions for six weeks, while the control group maintained regular training. Balance was assessed before and after by the Y balance test in its anterior, posterior medial, and posterior lateral directions. The data were analyzed through the t-test for independent and related samples.

Results: The analysis of this study shows significant improvements in dynamic balance (P=0.000) in the experimental group after the intervention of the dynamic balance exercise program for six weeks, while in the control group, there were no significant improvements.

Conclusion: Dynamic balance exercise programs can be used to increase the balance of amateur female soccer players.