Asimenia Gioftsidou

Proprioceptive training (balance exercises) reduces lower extremity injuries in young soccer players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of balance training on proprioception and on lower limb injuries. The sample consisted of 100 young soccer players, from four different soccer teams. Two teams were the experimental group, (N = 50), and two the control group (N = 50). During the competition period, the experimental group followed a proprioception training program, 2 times per week, with 20 minute sessions. The frequency and the characteristics of injuries occurred were also recorded. Balance tests on the stability system (Biodex) were performed before and after the competition period. For the balance tests repeated measures Anova was used and the results revealed significant differences between the pre and post training measures for the experimental group. Also, the results revealed an important difference between the experimental and control group in the incidence rate of the injuries. Finally, an important difference was found between the experimental and control group in moderate severity injuries. The application of a specific balance training program on healthy young soccer players can improve their proprioception and prevent low limb injuries.

The impact of Nintendo Wii to physical education students' balance compared to the traditional approaches

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference between an exergame-based and a traditional balance training program, in undergraduate Physical Education students. Thirty two third-year undergraduate students at the Democritus University of Thrace were randomly divided into two training program groups of 16 students each, a traditional and a Nintendo Wii group. The two training program groups performed a specific balance program for 8 weeks, two times per week, and 24 min per session. The Nintendo Wii group used the interactive games Wii Fit Plus of the Nintendo Wii console, as a training method to improve their balance, while the traditional group used an exercise program with mini trampoline and inflatable discs. Before and after the completion of the eight-week balance program, participants completed a single leg static balance assessment for both limbs on the Biodex stability system. Two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs), with repeated measures on the last factor, were conducted to determine effect of training program groups (traditional, Nintendo Wii) and measures (pre-test, post-test) on balance test indices (SI, API, and MLI). Where initial differences between groups were verified, one-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were applied. Analysis of the data illustrated that both groups demonstrated an improvement in SI, API and MLI mean scores for the right and the left limp as well. Conclusively, findings support the effectiveness of using the Nintendo Wii gaming console as an intervention for undergraduate Physical Education students, and specifically, its effects on physical function related to balance competence.

Proprioceptive training for learning downhill skiing.

The aim was to assess whether balance training would improve downhill skiing for 30 physical education students who had no previous skiing experience and were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group attended only ski lessons for two weeks, 2 to 4 hours daily. The experimental group attended downhill ski lessons and indoor balance training on a balance board, wearing ski boots, for 20 min. every second day in the afternoon. All participants before training completed a balance assessment (stability indices). After the completion of the ski classes, all repeated the balance assessment and two downhill ski tests of agility, slalom and snowploughing techniques. Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed both groups improved balance similarly, but the experimental group performed significantly better on the downhill-slalom agility test, so the specific indoor balance training was helpful.

Effective ways of restoring muscular imbalances of the rotator cuff muscle group: a comparative study of various training methods

Background: Many studies have compared different training methods for improving muscular performance, but more investigations need to be directed to the restoration of muscular imbalances. Objective: To determine the most effective training for altering strength ratios in the shoulder rotator cuff. Methods: Forty eight physical education students were randomly assigned to four groups (12 per group): (a) experimental group who carried out multijoint dynamic resistance training for shoulder internal and external rotation movement (pull ups or lat pull downs, overhead press, reverse pull ups, push ups) (MJDR group); (b) experimental group who exercised the same muscle group using dumbbells weighing 2 kg (isolated group); (c) experimental group who followed an isokinetic strengthening programme for the rotator cuff muscle group (isokinetic group); (d) control group who had no strength training. Testing was performed in the supine position with the glenohumeral joint in 90° of abduction in the coronal plane, with a range of motion of 0–90° of external rotation and 0–65° of internal rotation at angular velocities of 60, 120, and 180°/s. The test procedure was performed before and after the exercise period of six weeks. Results: One way analysis of variance found no differences between the groups for the initial tests. Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed that the strength ratios in all the experimental groups had altered after the exercise period, with the isokinetic group showing the most significant improvement. Conclusions: Isokinetic strengthening is the most effective method of altering strength ratios of the rotator cuff muscle.

Isokinetic strength training program for muscular imbalances in professional soccer players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a muscular training program on soccer players’ performance of which initially appeared imbalances or deficits. The study was conducte on 68 professional soccer players (age, 24.1±5.7 years; weight, 76.8±5.7 kg; height, 1.82±7 cm) participating in the championship of the first Greek national division over 2 years. During the preparation period, all the players performed an isokinetic test of knee flexors and extensors (60° s−1 and 180° s−1). These initial measurements detected muscular imbalances or deficits in 27 players (40%). The 27 players followed a specific isokinetic training program for 2 months, 3 times per week. After completion of the isokinetic training program, the 68 players repeated the isokinetic test. The analysis revealed significant differences between the pre-and post-training measures at both angular velocities in peak torque values, in differences from one limb to the other, and in peak torque ratios for flexors and extensors. Consequently, the application of this specific isokinetic training program can restore imbalances in knee muscle strength efficiently.

YOUNG TENNIS PLAYERS AND BALANCE PERFORMANCE

Malliou, VJ, Beneka, AG, Gioftsidou, AF, Malliou, PK, Kallistratos E, Pafis, GK, Katsikas CA, Douvis, S. Young tennis players and balance performance. J Strength Cond Res 24(2): 389-393, 2010-The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a tennis training session on the balance performance of young tennis players. The study was conducted on 36 elite tennis players (age 14 ± 2 years; body mass 55 ± 6 kg; body height 165 ± 6 cm; mean ± SD) participating in the national young tennis championship. Balance performance was assessed before and immediately after a tennis training session (pre-training and post-training, respectively). The balance assessment was performed with 2 different balance boards and the Biodex Stability System. In addition, dynamometric measurements of peak isokinetic moment in the knee flexors and extensors were performed pre and post tennis training session, to quantify the degree of muscle fatigue induced by the tennis training session. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to test for differences in balance performance and in isokinetic performance between pre and post tennis training session. The data analysis revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in balance performance, whereas there were significant differences in knee joint moment production between pre and post tennis training measures. Although the tennis training session of the present study had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on any of the balance performance indicators examined, there was a decline in balance performance, which suggests that different level of fatigue for an extended period (games) will have greater effect on balance performance. It is suggested that a tennis-specific balance exercise program should be included in the tennis training session.

Injury incidence rate, severity and diagnosis in male volleyball players

The aim of this study was to record the injury incidence in all age categories in male volleyball players and clarify the role of age in injury occurrence. The injury incidence rate, severity, diagnosis and the anatomical location of the injuries that occurred during practice and competition in the whole championship period were recorded prospectively during the period 2005–2006. A total of 407 Greek male volleyball players participating in all Volleyball Championships in Greece according to the Greek Volleyball Federation have been observed on a weekly basis for the period 2005–2006. The injury incidence rate was recorded as the number of injured players and also the number of injuries per player per year (total exposure time). The results revealed that injury occurrence is age related and junior volleyball players have a lower injury rate than senior ones. There were significantly more acute injuries in comparison to overuse syndrome and the ankle was the most common injured anatomical location. Finally, outside hitters, universals and setters presented different injury rates to other players and the “incorrect sprawls” and “stepping on others’ feet” were the most common injury factors. In conclusion, findings in the injury occurrence rate must be interpreted in relation to the total exposure time in order to have more realistic conclusions.

Balance exercise program before or after a tennis training session

It is unclear whether fatigue induced by a tennis training session influences the effectiveness of balance exercise training program. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a balance program is more effective when performed before or after the regular tennis training session. The study was conducted on 36 young tennis players participating in the national young tennis championship. The participants were randomly divided into three subject groups, one control group (C group), and two intervention groups that performed a specific balance program for 12 weeks, three times per week, 16 min per session. One intervention group performed the balance program immediately before the regular tennis training session (Pre training group) and the other group performed the same balance program immediately after tennis training (Post training group). Balance performance was assessed in all subjects at baseline (T0) and after the completion of the 12-week balance program (T12). The balance performance assessment was performed with two different balance boards and the Biodex Stability System. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there was no difference ( p> 0.05) in balance performance in the C group between T0 and T12. In contrast, there was significant improvement between T 0 and T12 for Pre and Post training groups. Furthermore, there were significant differences between group C and the two intervention groups after the 12-week balance training program, while there was no significant difference between the Pre and Post training groups. In conclusion, there was significant improvement in balance performance with the balance training program and there was no effect of the time the tennis training sessions were performed.

Effects of a balance training protocol on knee joint proprioception after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common knee injuries in sport. A variety of surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols are used to treat ACL injuries. Those injuries, lead to impair function and loss of proprioception. New research demonstrates that rehabilitation should be based on proprioception. The ACL not only serves a mechanical role by limiting passive knee mobility but also serves sensory role through the mechanoreceptors deep in its tissue, which communicate with the neuromuscular system to provide proprioceptive feedback. The main purpose of the study was to assess the influence of a balance-training program on knee joint proprioception, between acl reconstructed patients who had a lack of proprioceptive ability. They had undergone acl reconstruction at a mean of 22 months (range 8-30) before the initiation of the study. They were randomly assigned into two groups, one experimental (group A) and one control (group B). We assessed proprioception using Biodex stability system and two different kinds of balance boards, in 24 patients with mean age 29,1 yr. The results shown that stability indices of balance appeared improved for the reconstructed leg and there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group ( p< 0.05).

Effects of instructional and motivational self-talk on balance performance in knee injured

Abstract Aims: To examine the influence of motivational and instructional self-talk on balance test performance of knee injured active individuals with meniscectomy. Design: One between-groups factor with four levels (instructional, motivational, no self-talk, neutral self-talk) and one within-groups “time” factor with two levels (pre-test, post-test). Method: 35 men and 25 women physically active and knee injured following meniscectomy 6 months ago participated. After 2 days of familiarization, they completed four dynamic balance stability trials, spaced 3 min apart. After the first two trials (best value as pre-test score), the participants were randomly assigned to four groups: the motivational self-talk group, instructional self-talk group and control groups (no instruction and neutral self-talk). They repeated the two trials (best value as post-test score) expressing aloud the phrases assigned. Results: Analysis of variance repeated-measures and Sidak multiple comparisons tests were performed on the time variable to detect differences in each group for each time point (pre- and post-test). Statistical analysis showed that balance board time score increased significantly only for experimental groups after the intervention period and not for control groups, F(3,56) = 9.93, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.861 for time of keeping stability on the board. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicate that injured active individuals with meniscectomy may enhance their balance test performance via the use of instructional and motivational self-talk.