Georgios Pafis

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.

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.

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.