Effect of Central Fatigue on Dynamic Balance and Knee Joint Proprioception in Recreational Athletes: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction: The salient constituent of physical activity is fatigue that can influence execution of sports as well as it can also affect the activities of daily living. Abundant conventions are being used to magnify the fatigue, resisting dimension of the individual but none has proven to be effective. Therefore, this research will give perception about the central fatigue, that can affect dynamic balance and knee joint proprioception in healthy individuals. This can further be related in athletes also; in designing their training protocol to minimise the fatigue level and thus enhancing the performance of an individual. Aim: To study the effect of central fatigue on dynamic balance and knee joint proprioception in recreational athletes. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, India from 25th March 2022 to 25th June 2022. Twenty-five subjects were recruited in the study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and proprioception were measured before and after inducing central fatigue. The paired t-test was used to compare pre and post values of SEBT and proprioception. Results: There was significant effect of central fatigue in different excursion reach of dynamic balance from pre to post, anteromedial (p-value <0.001), medial (p-value <0.001), posterolateral (p-value <0.001), lateral (p-value <0.001) and anterolateral (p-value <0.001) directions. In addition, the knee joint proprioception was significantly reduced following central fatigue was initiated. Conclusion: Dynamic balance and knee joint proprioception reduced when the individual was undergoing central fatigue.