Squat and balance ability in young football players

Introduction. Squat is one of the most important training exercises used to improve strength efficiency. This basic exercise needs muscular coordination, joints flexibility, stability and postural control (Krintz M et al., 2009). Therefore, balance ability could affect the correct exercise execution. Aim of this research is to check a factual correlation between a correct squat execution and balance ability in young amateur football players. Methods 42 male young amateur football players (16,3 ± 1,3) have been evaluated. Dynamic functional postural analysis of squat exercise, tested with simplified squat test (Alberti G., Milan, 1980), and balance ability (LPF), evaluated with Libra (Easytech, Prato, Italy), have been assessed. Subjects were split in groups based on both types of exercise performed: full (FS), deep (DS) and half squat (90°); and on factors limiting the performance: ankle (A) range of motion and lumbar (L) flexibility. LPF results of different groups were correlated together and analysed with ANOVA for repeated measures on SPSS v.15 software. P<0,05 was chosen as the significant rate. Results and Discussion Average values show no statistical diversity in balance ability between FS, DS and 90°, while best results present a significantly greater balance performance in DS than 90°(p<0.01). Finally, FS-L group best results show balance performances significantly higher than FS-A (p<0.005). Conclusions The study indicates that the best DS and FS exercise execution seems related to the balance ability improvements. FS executions also pointed out balance performances rising in subjects with greater ankle ROM and lumbar flexibility. References Kritz M., Cronin J., Hume P. The bodyweight squat: a movement screen for the squat pattern. Institute of Sport & Recreation Research New Zealand, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand and School of Biomedical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, 2009, p. 76-85. Gulatieri D, Annoni M, Alberti G. Comparison between strength training with overloads and balance training. In: Roi GS, Tencone F: The Rehabilitation of Winter and Mountain Sport Injuries. Calzetti Mariucci Editore, Torgiano, 2006, pp 204-207