The role of anthropometric parameters on single-leg balance performance in young sub-elite soccer players

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to determine the covariation of anthropometric parameters and the center of pressure (CoP) of young soccer players. Subelite young male players between 16 and 17 years (N = 42) were instructed to perform single-leg balance tasks under different conditions: Static and dynamic balance on firmand foam ground. Single-leg balance was measured with a Kistler force plate. The measures of postural control were the CoP displacement in anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions. Further, the following anthropometric variables were assessed: Body height, body weight, foot length, and foot width. Results indicated only two small-sized correlations between body height/ weight and the CoP measures. The covariation between body height, body weight, and the CoP measures for the single-leg stance in young male sub-elite soccer players was less than 10%.