Citation

Dunsky A, Barzilay I, Fox O. World J. Orthop. 2017; 8(4): 317-321.

Affiliation

Ayelet Dunsky, Ido Barzilay, Orly Fox, Department of Biomechanics, the Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Baishideng Publishing Group)

DOI

10.5312/wjo.v8.i4.317

PMID

28473959

PMCID

PMC5396016

Abstract

AIM: To study the effect of balance intervention program using the "FIFA 11+" program on static and dynamic balance and kicking accuracy of young soccer players.

METHODS: Twenty young soccer players were allocated to experimental (n = 10) or control (n = 10) groups. The experimental group performed the "FIFA 11+" program three times a week for six weeks. The control group performed their normal warm-up routine. The primary outcomes were measured pre and post intervention, and assessed kicking accuracy, static balance and dynamic balance.

RESULTS: No differences were found in kicking accuracy following intervention, for both groups, however, static balance improved significantly among the experimental group with significant interaction with the control group, and with high effect size. In addition, the dynamic balance of the left leg of the experimental group, with medium effect size for interaction between groups.

CONCLUSION: The large effect size of balance improvement that was observed following six weeks of intervention sessions, implies that soccer trainers and coaches should consider the inclusion of "FIFA 11+" as components of programs aimed at improving balance ability/control in young soccer players, as improvement in balance abilities may prevent injuries.

Language: en

Keywords

Balance; Injury prevention; Kicking accuracy; Soccer; Warm-up