Comparison of dynamic and static balance among professional male soccer players by position

Abstract

Purpose: Balance is an important performance aspect of all athletes. The aim of this study was to compare static and dynamic balance in soccer players in different positions. Methods: Forty youth and young adult professional soccer players were divided into four groups according to their playing positions: goalkeepers (GK), defenders (DF), midfielders (MF) and forwards (FW) (10 per position). Static and dynamic balance assessed on the dominant and non-dominant legs were measured using a force platform for 30s (static one-leg stand), and “Y Balance Test” (dynamic balance). Results: GK exhibited greater ML static balance (less ML sway) compared with other players (p < 0.02–0.001). Moreover, results demonstrated better GK dynamic balance compared to DF and FW (p < 0.04–0.006). MF showed better dynamic balance than DF and FW (p < 0.019–0.007) and lower dynamic balance scores were found among DF and FW (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, these results affirm position-specific balance performance with greater static and dynamic balance of GK and dynamic balance with MF. It is suggested that evaluation of balance and postural control performance should be considered a relevant part of the position-specific functional evaluation of soccer players. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd