Dynamic balance in male youth soccer players: the role of anthropometric and physical fitness factors

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors needed to improve the dynamic balance of youth soccer players. Methods: A total of 170 youth soccer players (84 U-15 and 86 U-18 players) participated in this study. Their anthropometric (height, weight, and body fat percentage) and physical fitness (dynamic balance, muscle strength, power, core strength, agility, reaction time, and flexibility) characteristics were evaluated. To investigate the effects of these factors on dynamic balance, a multiple regression analysis was conducted. Results: The results showed that the weight (P = 0.008) and back muscle strength (P = 0.039); and actions, such as sit-up (P = 0.017), countermovement jump (P = 0.019), and trunk forward flexion (P = 0.009) were significant factors affecting balance in all the soccer players of this study (R2 = 0.265). In the U-15 group, only the countermovement jump (P = 0.019) was found to significantly influence dynamic balance (R2 = 0.275). In contrast, in the U-18 group, weight (P = 0.002), sit-up action (P < 0.001), countermovement jump (P = 0.019), and trunk forward flexion (P = 0.011) were found to affect dynamic balance (R2 = 0.439). Conclusion: Our study suggests that muscle strength, power, flexibility, and core strength are needed to improve the dynamic balance of youth soccer players.