Characterisation of Postural Control During A Surf- Like Postural Assessment: Posturographic Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Surfing practice requires various physical capacities, such as muscular strength and endurance, balance, postural control and neuromuscular coordination. The evaluation of postural control in a surfer is a challenge for sports science and injury prevention researchers. This study evaluated the postural control that surfers perform in a surf-like postural assessment. Methods: The sample comprised 74 surfers aged between 8-47 years; 83.8% of the sample were male. Postural control parameters included displacement amplitudes in the anterior-posterior and mid-lateral directions, and length and area of the centre of pressure (CoP) sway. A force platform was positioned on the surfboard, the latter being placed on top of a bozu. Surfers had to perform a task (touching cylinders positioned to their front, right and left) while positioned on top of this platform. Results: In the group who had up to five years of surf practice, differences in CoP displacement in the mid-lateral direction (38.69mm versus 30.21mm), the CoP path length (2079.49mm versus 1635.90mm) and the CoP sway area (251.36mm2 versus 161.69mm2) were statistically significant (p≤0.05), compared with those who had more than five years of surf practice. In the group of surfers who were less than 18 years of age, displacement in the mid-lateral direction (38.30mm versus 30.54mm) and the length (2059.50mm versus 1652.89mm) were statistically significant (p≤0.05), compared to older surfers. Conclusion: Younger surfers and those who had up to five years of practice showed greater displacement of the CoP. These data areare necessary for adopting injury prevention strategies, and specific training.