Abstract
Purpose: Sailing is a complex and dynamic sport characterized by the uncertainty and instability of the environment. The control of the sailboat is related to athlete’s ability to maintain the best trim of the boat and the sail, by keeping control of the forces produced by wind and water. The aim of the study was to examine the short-term effect of training on postural balance among young dinghy sailors. By measuring sway path and sway area of the center of pressure (CoP), the objective was to investigate whether these parameters can change influenced by training sessions on a sailboat.
Methods: A total of twelve sailors (mean age 14 ± 2.9 years; mean weight 49.17 ± 11.54 kg; mean height 159 ± 0.13 cm; BMI 19.2 ± 2.5 kg/m2) competing in Optimist and Laser Radial class performed a set of balance tests on both stable and unstable surfaces, with open and closed eyes, measured over three days. The first day served to familiarize the participants with the testing protocol. On the second and third days, CoP sway path and sway areas were assessed at three time points: pre-, during- and post-training session using a Wii Balance Board (WBB). Pre-measurement was performed in resting conditions before training. The second measurement, duringtraining, was carried out approximately 45 min after its beginning and the post-training measurement approximately 30 min after the conclusion of the training session.
Results: A general improvement in postural balance control was observed in most of the assessed variables. Statistical analysis (RM ANOVA) demonstrated significant reductions in sway path and sway area with closed eyes on an unstable surface comparing pre-, during and post-measurement on the second day (p<0.05), and for sway path with open and closed eyes on an unstable surface on the third day (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The findings of the present study revealed an acute effect of training sessions on balance control, suggesting that a training session can induce a short-term improvement in postural balance amongst dinghy sailors. Moreover, using equipment such as the WBB presents a reliable and contemporary approach for balance assessment. Finally, measuring postural balance control using WBB allows researchers to perform field measurements outside in a training environment, rather than in a laboratory setting. Considering that balance is an essential skill in sailing, future studies should investigate long-term effects of training on postural balance control.