Maturity offset affects standing postural control in youth male soccer players. (23rd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zago, Matteo; Moorhead, Alex Patten; Bertozzi, Filippo; Sforza, Chiarella; Tarabini, Marco; Galli, Manuela
• Is Part Of: Journal of biomechanics. Volume 99(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01-23
• Subjects: Peak height velocity -- Balance -- Stability -- Team sports; Animal mechanics -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Mécanique animale -- Périodiques; Biomécanique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 571.4305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.109523
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9290

Abstract

Abstract: Quantifying the response of postural control in developmental athletes makes it possible to understand critical coordination and learning phases and to improve technical-physical interventions. However, the influence of maturation on postural control amongst young soccer players has neither been tested using quantitative methods, nor over a wide age range. In this study, we examined stabilometric parameters of 238 young male soccer players from 9 to 17 years old relative to maturity offset. Two 30-s tests (eyes open and eyes closed) were recorded on a baropodometric platform at 50 Hz. Participants were split into six groups according to their maturity offset, expressed as years from individual's peak height velocity. Dependent variables were: Sway Area, Center-of-Pressure velocity, standard deviation of the antero-posterior and medio-lateral Center-of-Pressure trajectory, Romberg Quotient. Sway Area was significantly higher in players with maturity offset <−1.5 than in groups with maturity offset > 0.5 years (p < 0.001, large effect). Center-of-Pressure velocity markedly dropped in players with maturity offset >−0.5 years (p < 0.001, very large effect). Antero-posterior standard deviation was higher before than after peak height velocity (p < 0.05, large effect) and significantly higher with closed eyes at some points. Medio-lateral standard deviation was higher in the youngest group of players (maturity offset <−2.5 years, large effect) than in those with maturity offset >−0.5 years. In sum, stabilometric parameters improved with age until zero maturity offset was achieved. Thereafter, variables describing postural control in developing soccer players were almost stable. No evidence of a changing role of vision in postural sway control during maturation was observed.