2014, Volume 10
Static and dynamic balance in 14-15 year old boys training judo and in their non-active peers
Kazimierz Witkowski1, Jarosław Maśliński1, Adam Remiarz1
1University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
Author for correspondence: Kazimierz Witkowski; University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
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Abstract
Background and Study Aim: Maintaining vertical posture and throwing a competitor off balance during a judo fight is a fundamental mechanism in this sport. Maintaining vertical posture in numerous circumstances when other motor activities occur is, however, an essential element of injury prevention due to a fall. The aim of the experiment is to confirm the following hypotheses: (1) young male judokas possess better dynamic and static balance when compared to their non-active peers; (2) there is a lower asymmetry of static balance among young male judokas than among their non-active peers; (3) despite the choice of tests in accordance with the assumptions adopted in this paper, correlation of the results of dynamic balance test and static balance test is at most low, whereas physical activity index or its lack does not have differentiating meaning.
Material and Methods: The experiment involved 51 boys aged 14-15 years, including 26 training judo for at least 2 years; 25 not practicing any sport (‘non-active’). Two quasi-apparatus tests have been used in the study. Dynamic balance was measured by means of Marching Test, whereas static balance by means of Flamingo Test in modified version.
Results: Boys who train judo possess higher level of dynamic balance than non-active ones (different results of Marching Test p<0.01). All results obtained in the tests are positively correlated with each other (p<0.01) in ‘judo’ group. On the other hand, there are no significant correlations of results in ‘non-active’ group.
Conclusions: Providing important empirical data on the relationship between the ability to effectively solve motor tasks and sense of dynamic and static balance is an essential cognitive value of the study. Positive correlations of those indices occur when a person is subjected to frequent, intensive stimuli acting on both manifestations of body balance. Application aspect extend the usefulness of study results beyond the field of sport. Increase especially in human dynamic balance ability by means of judo training translates directly into their motor safety during daily physical activities and consequently into health safety.
Key words: flamingo test, marching test, motor safety, postural control, quasi-apparatus tests, vertical posture