Impact of perturbation-based balance training on dynamic stability in university basketball players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Balance is a critical component of athletic performance, particularly in sports requiring rapid directional changes and stability under dynamic conditions. In basketball, maintaining balance can enhance movement efficiency, reduce injury risk, and improve overall gameplay. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a six-week balance training program incorporating perturbation techniques in enhancing the dynamic balance of university basketball players. Materials and Methods. An experimental study was conducted with 14 male university basketball players aged 19 to 25 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Experimental Group (n = 7) or the Control Group (n = 7). The Experimental Group underwent a six-week balance training program with perturbation alongside their regular training routine, consisting of 18 sessions conducted three times per week. Each session lasted 40–47 minutes and included exercises that altered proprioceptive and vestibular inputs through various stances (e.g., tandem stance, split squat, single-leg stance) and unpredictable perturbations differing in number, speed, and predictability. The Control Group continued with their regular training without additional intervention. Dynamic balance was assessed for all participants before and after the intervention using the Y-Balance Test. Statistical analysis was performed using independent and paired sample t-tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results. The Experimental Group showed a significant improvement in dynamic balance after the intervention. Their mean Y-Balance Test score increased from 80.22 ± 4.01 cm pre-test to 89.75 ± 4.38 cm post-test (p = 0.000). In contrast, the Control Group showed no significant change, with pre-test and post-test scores of 77.85 ± 9.22 cm and 78.25 ± 8.91 cm, respectively (p > 0.05). Between-group comparison at post-test revealed a statistically significant difference favoring the Experimental Group (p = 0.000). Conclusions. The six-week balance training program with perturbation effectively enhanced the dynamic balance of university basketball players. Incorporating such training into regular practice routines may improve proprioceptive abilities and reduce injury risk. Coaches and trainers are encouraged to integrate balance training with perturbation techniques to promote optimal balance control and enhance athletic performance.