Comparison of static and dynamic balance ability according to gender in athletes- a cross sectional study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the balance ability between genders in elite athletes. A total of 152 athletes, 76 female and 76 male, from 10 different branches with similar demographic characteristics included to the study. A computerized balance platform (BT4, HUR Labs Oy, Tampere, Finland) was used to determine balance ability of the athletes. Static balance measurement, with eyes open and closed stability test on hard and soft ground; dynamic balance measurement was evaluated with forward, backward, left and right functional reach test and Romberg values calculated by the device. It was determined that the Romberg value of female athletes was higher than that of male athletes (p= 0.025). It was determined that the area scanned by female athletes in static balance ability on fixed ground with eyes open was less than that of male athletes (p= 0.025); the length drawn by female athletes in static balance ability on soft ground with eyes open was less (p= 0.010) and their scanning speed was slower (p= 0.007). Static balance ability of female athletes were significantly better than male athletes, and female athletes interpreted visual inputs better than male athletes in static balance ability. We recommend training with visual inputs and visual exercises in order to increase balance performance, especially in female athletes.