Characteristics of postural balance in badminton players after functional exercise

Aim. The paper was aimed at evaluating the displacement of the center of pressure during the Romberg test and the “Target” test before and after exercise in skilled badminton players and non-athletes. Materials and methods. Postural balance was evaluated during the preliminary test before and after functional exercise (45 squats per minute). The following parameters were investigated: the quality of balance, the average linear CoP oscillation velocity, the average linear CoP displacement velocity, the standard deviation of the center of pressure in the frontal and sagittal planes, and the ellipse area. Results. The quality of balance decreased in both athletes and non-athletes in the “Target” test and in the test with closed eyes. Moreover, badminton players had worse postural balance with closed eyes compared to non-athletes. Functional exercise resulted in decreased postural balance in non-athletes, and the ankle strategy was replaced by the hip strategy while maintaining balance. In general, badminton players had better balance in the “Target” test. Conclusion. The postural balance of badminton players significantly differs from that of non-athletes. The visual analyzer is responsible for maintaining postural balance in badminton players. In athletes, the existing neuromuscular regulation of postural balance leads to stabilization in the sagittal plane with increased difficulty of postural tasks.