Effect of Balance Exercises on Performance in Amputee Football Players

Istanbul Rumeli University20 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of an 8-week balance and trunk stabilization exercise program on balance and functional performance in male amputee football players. Twenty athletes aged 18 to 45 years were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group completed trunk stabilization, proprioceptive balance, and sport-specific plyometric exercises twice weekly in addition to routine football training. The control group continued routine football training only. Balance and functional mobility were assessed before and after the 8-week period using the Berg Balance Scale, the L-Test of Functional Mobility, and the Figure-of-8 Walk Test.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Lower Limb Amputation Balance Impairment

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 45 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male amputee football players aged 18 to 45 years. * Unilateral lower-limb amputation. * Classification as A1 according to the amputee football classification system. * Active participation in amputee football for at least 6 months. * Ability and willingness to participate in the study. * Provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Bilateral lower-limb amputation. * Insufficient experience in using crutches or a prosthesis. * Any acute injury or serious neurological, cardiovascular, or other medical condition that could prevent completion of the L-Test of Functional Mobility, Figure-of-8 Walk Test, or exercise program. * An active injury or rehabilitation condition preventing participation in football training.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in L-Test of Functional Mobility Completion Time

Functional mobility, speed, agility, and dynamic balance were assessed using the L-Test of Functional Mobility. Participants completed three trials, and the mean completion time was recorded in seconds. Lower completion times indicate better functional performance. Change was calculated by comparing the assessment performed at baseline with the assessment performed after the 8-week intervention.

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Figure-of-8 Walk Test Completion Time

Dynamic balance, agility, postural control, and directional change ability were assessed using the Figure-of-8 Walk Test. Participants completed three trials, and the mean completion time was recorded in seconds. Lower completion times indicate better performance. Change was assessed from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

Change in Figure-of-8 Walk Test Step Count

Movement efficiency during the Figure-of-8 Walk Test was assessed by recording the number of steps required to complete the test. Participants completed three trials, and the mean step count was calculated. A lower number of steps indicates greater movement efficiency. Change was assessed from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

Change in Berg Balance Scale Total Score

Static and functional balance were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale. The scale contains 14 items scored from 0 to 4, providing a total score ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate better balance and lower fall risk. Change was assessed from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

Effect of Balance Exercises on Performance in Amputee Football Players

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes