COMPARISON OF DYNAMIC POSTURAL CONTROL OF COLLEGIATE ATHLETES IN DIFFERENT SPORTS.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were significant differences in dynamic postural control performance in male collegiate soccer and basketball players, wrestlers, and kickboxers. Sixty-five male collegiate athletes competing in soccer (n=20), basketball (n=14), wrestling (n=16), and kickboxing (n= 15) volunteered to participate in this study. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) scores were obtained bilaterally for anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions. Star Excursion Balance Test scores in the PL, PM, and composite reach distance were found higher in the wrestlers than the other groups (p<0.05). ANT scores did not differ between groups (p>0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that soccer and basketball players and kickboxers did not differ in terms of dynamic balance. However, wrestlers demonstrated superior dynamic balance performance than others. To evaluate risks or deficits related to lower extremity injury in athletes, clinicians and coaches should consider dynamic balance performance differences between sports branches.