Relationship between Balance, Fall Risk, Functional Movement and Performance of Collegiate Women

Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between balance, fall risk and selected performance parameters of collegiate women.

Methods: Eighty-five active and healthy women (mean± SD age: 20.98±2, 12 yrs) participated in this study. Biodex SD system was used to determine the postural stability (PST), limits of stability (LS) and fall risk (FR) of participants. Furthermore, participants performed squat jump, vertical jump and agility tests. Newtest Powertimer 1000 (Finland) was used for the squat jump test and vertical jump test. For the agility test, a shuttle run racecourse was applied. Potential relationships between balance and FR, LS and PST were examined using Pearson’s correlation. Statistical significance was set as p ≤ 0.005.

Results: Data showed a significant correlation between PST and FRT (r: 0,689, p ≤ 0, 05). There was a significant correlation between the PST and height (r: 0,367, p: 0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between the FRT and squat jump parameters (r:-108, p:0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between LST and height parameters (r:-0,051, p: 0.05). An LST and FRT correlation was detected, but was not significant (r: 0,185 0,05).

Discussion and Conclusion: Results of this study indicate a relationship between balance and FR and also balance and performance. Balance ability is considered to enhance several physical parameters like agility and jumping. Subjects who have better squat jump performance have a better balance score and low FR. Enhanced balance ability may transfer to athletic skills and reduce FR.