The impact of exercise of lower limbs on dynamic balance and valgus of the knees among young footballers

Abstract

Background Participation of children and youth in sporting activities, among others in training and football competitions, is an optimistic manifestation of activation in the current trend of computerization. Unfortunately, this is also often associated with musculoskeletal injuries. An example is the association of dynamic valgus and disturbed dynamic balance with lower limb injuries. The main purpose of the studies is to determine the impact of three strengthening exercises on the parameters of dynamic knee valgus and balance of lower limbs. The secondary objectives are to investigate the dominant influence and the length of lower limb on the valgus values and to determine risk of injury to young football players. Methods 134 young footballers training at the Arka Gdynia SI club were invited to first stage of the research in order to examine anthropometric features and kinematics of the lower limb. Single Leg Squat Test was used, which was recorded. The samples were analyzed video to determine exact knee angle of valgus. During the second stage, to which players with valgus knee were qualified (≥15˚), the Y-Balance Test was additionally used. Intervention group underwent an exercise program to strengthen gluteus medius, popliteal and tibialis posterior muscles for 6 weeks to repeat tests in the third stage. Results Statistical methods used at the assumed level of significance allow to conclude that there are no differences in results of dynamic valgus (≥15˚) and dynamic balance between the intervention group and control group during the 6 week period between stages. In addition, there were results confirming the lack of influence of length and dominant lower limb on valgus. Results of composite direction in the Y-Balance Test test determine the low risk of injury in both intervention and control groups. Conclusions Intervention did not affect the dynamic valgus and knee balance in young football players. Both the length and the dominant limb did not affect the results. The "low risk" occurrence of injuries among the examined participants with valgus knee due to the values of dynamic balance was determined.

Analysis of the effect of compound training for explosive power on improving the psychological resilience of football athletes

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