Correlation between the changes of lower extremity muscle strength, balance and biomechanics indicators at different seasonal periods in young basketball players

Abstract

Introduction. According to the research, lower limb injuries are one of the most common among young basketball players and are twice as more common compared to the upper extremities (1). The situation occurs, supposedly because practices are mostly oriented to general physical training: increase of muscle strength and overall improvement of athleticism, while disregarding a balanced physical training together with exercises meant for injury prevention (2)(3). Aim of the research – to evaluate correlation between the change in lower extremity muscle strength, balance and biomechanics indicators at different seasonal periods in young basketball players. Research methods and organization. The research was approved by Lithuanian University of Health Science Bioethics Center (No. BEC-SR(M)-98). The cohort of the study consisted of twelve systematically training young male basketball players, representing a team in Kaunas Basketball Amateur League, ages between 18 and 23, average body mass index - 24,8 kg/m2. The study was conducted in Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, in Department of Sports Medicine. Subjects had to fill out a questionnaire to find out if all the criteria is met: playing basketball for at least 5 years, feeling no acute pain during the study, and had not suffered any injuries in the past two months. The evaluation was performed twice: before and after the basketball season. The corrective exercise program was applied during the season to the usual training regimen – five exercises, two times a week. One-leg exercises were accentuated with extra weights or unstable planes as well as plyometric movements. Research methods: muscle strength of the lower extremities (hip flexors, extensors abductors and adductors, calf extensors and flexors, dorsal and plantar flexors) was assessed with „Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer“ apparatus. Dynamic balance indicators were assessed by the “Y"[...]