Association Between Spinal Curvature and Mobility and Balance Abilities in Young Soccer Players

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between balance, spinal curvature, and mobility in young soccer players is important for optimizing performance and preventing injuries. The aim was to examine the association between balance abilities and spinal curvature and mobility in young soccer players. Forty-two male elite soccer players (mean age: 16.38 ± 1.10 years, mean Body Mass Index: 20.80 ± 1.34 kg/m², years of experience: 6.4 ± 1.6) were enrolled. Balance assessments were performed using Computerized Posturography (ProKin 252, Tecnobody, Dalmine, Italy). Static balance assessments were performed in a unipedal and bipedal stance either with the eyes open or closed. Limits of Stability (LOS) were tested to measure dynamic balance. Spinal curvature, inclination, and mobility were assessed using HocomaValedo® Shape (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). There was a significant correlation between thoracic kyphosis angle and LOS and bipedal static balance (r = −0.333, r = 0.323; p < .05, respectively). Furthermore, significant moderate correlations were observed between lumbar and thoracic mobility measurements and LOS and static balance parameters on unipedal stance (r = 0.355 to 0.482, p < .05). No correlation was found between spinal curvature and spinal mobility, and other balance parameters (p > .05). There is a significant association between spinal curvatures, spinal mobility, and balance abilities in young soccer players. Sports professionals should consider this relationship as it may reflect the response of the postural control system to altered spinal curvature and mobility in young soccer players within the maturation period.