Comparison of static and dynamic balance performances of sports science students by gender

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Static and dynamic balance performance are fundamental skills that can exhibit significant differences between genders and are critically important in motor skills and sports science. The aim of this study was to compare the static and dynamic balance performance of sports science students by gender. Material and Methods. Ten male students (age: 22.70 ± 1.33 years) and ten female students (age: 23.00 ± 1.05 years) studying in the sports science faculty voluntarily participated in the study. The Biodex Balance System (BBS, Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY) was utilized to assess balance performance. Independent samples t-test and paired t-test were conducted for analysis using SPSS. Results. In intergroup comparisons, static and dynamic balance performances were similar between genders, with a significant difference found only in the S-APSI parameter (p = 0.021). Among male participants, a significant difference was observed in the S-MLSI parameter (p = 0.015), while no significant differences were found in the other parameters. For female participants, dynamic balance performance significantly outperformed static performance (OSI p = 0.018, APSI p = 0.035, MLSI p = 0.046). Apart from anterior-posterior balance outcomes, no significant differences were observed between males and females in the other parameters. It was also evident that female participants exhibited significantly superior dynamic balance performance compared to static performance. Conclusions. Understanding gender differences in balance performance is crucial for creating effective training programs in sports education. By recognizing these differences, trainers can develop strategies that better meet the specific needs of male and female athletes. This approach can help enhance overall athletic performance.

Keywords

• balance
• gender
• static
• dynamic