The Effect of Exhausting Exercise Induced Fatigue on the Double-Leg Balance of Elite Male Athletes

Abstract

Problem statement: Fatigue is a complex phenomenon that can be described as a time-dependent exercise-induced reduction in the maximal force generating capacity of a muscle. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of exhausting exercise induced fatigue on the double-leg balance of elite male athletes. Approach: This study included 30 apparently healthy young adults (handball and basketball professional players), 15 subjects in the control group (15 men with mean age 23±2.1 years old, Body Mass 82±1.3 kg and Body Height 181±9.7 cm) and 15 subjects in the experiment group (15 men; age 23.1±2.2 years old, mean weight 81±0.9 kg and mean height 183±7.4 cm), matched evenly for age. In this study RAST test used for fatigue protocole. Biodex balance system and lactometer used for evaluation of balance and blood lactate level (respectively). For statistical analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t-test and sample t-test were used. Results: Results revealed that there aren’t any significant main effects for time, such that double legged balance performance was maintained throughout the trial. There aren’t any significant main effects for time in the mean lateral deflection of the biodex platform. However, there was a significant main effect (p = 0.091) in the mean anterior-posterior deflection. The mean deflection was significantly reduced, i.e., toward the anterior direction, at the end of each half relative to all other time points. Hence there wasn’t a significant relationship between lactate acid accumulation and variations of stability indices (r = -0/661, p<0.05). The balance index was significantly lower for standing with eyes open compared with eyes closed. The sensorimotor system normally uses inputs from three afferent systems: vestibular, somatosensory and visual. When one of those systems (somatosensory) is impaired, the two intact systems compensate for the impaired one to some extent. Therefore, balance index in the eyes-closed situation becomes higher compared with eyes open. Conclusion: Balance was maintained (in eyes opened situation) and this shows that balance have a little decreases in double leg stance in professional athletes.