Evaluation of the balance system in amateur kickboxers

Abstract

Background Kickboxing is defined as an eclectic combat sport created by combining close combat practices. While the effect of kickboxing on balance function may seem evident, controlled studies that investigate the impact of kickboxing on static and dynamic balance using objective tests are limited. Objective The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of kickboxing on the development of static and dynamic balance in amateur kickboxers using objective tests. Specifically, we sought to assess how kickboxing training influences postural abilities and balance systems. Methods A total of 20 amateur kickboxers between ages 18 and 26 years (mean age, 21.6 +/- 5.65 years) and 20 healthy subjects between ages 19 and 25 years (mean age, 21.3 +/- 1.41 years) who had no previous experience with kickbox sports training were recruited. The sensory organization test (SOT), adaptation test (ADT), limit of stability (LOS), rhythmic weight shift (RWS) test, weight bearing/squat (WBS) test, and unilateral stance (US) test of the computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) were used to evaluate both groups. All these subtest results were compared between amateur kickboxers and the control group. All subtest results were compared between amateur kickboxers and the control group using independent sample t-tests. An alpha level of 0.05 was set for statistical significance. Results A statistically significant difference was found in the weight bearing/squat (WBS) and limit of stability (LOS) subtest results of the CDP between amateur kickboxers and the control group compared to the control group in amateur kickboxers (p < 0.05). Conclusions An increase in LOS and WBS skills was observed in the amateur kickboxers who participated in this study when compared to similar-aged individuals who did not participate in kickboxing. These balance differences may be greater in more elite-level kickboxers who have trained for longer. In addition, other balance parameters may also improve with longer periods of exposure and increasing skill complexity performed at more elite levels.