The Effect of Ankle TheraBand Training on Dynamic Balance Index Among Elite Male Basketball Players

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of ankle TheraBand resistance training on dynamic balance index among elite male basketball players. Methods: This was a randomized trial performed on 24 male professional basketball players without lower extremity injury. The participants were selected using purposeful sampling and were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 8, including: (1) high-intensity resistance training using TheraBand (80% - 95% 1RM), (N = 8); (2) moderate-intensity resistance training using TheraBand (65% - 80% 1RM), (N = 8); and (3) control group with regular basketball training (N = 8). The groups were trained in three sessions for 8 weeks. Trial and error table for TheraBand resistance from American Physical Therapy Organization (APTA) 2012 was used to measure maximum 1RM in each participant. In addition, the dynamic balance index in the APSI (anterior - posterior stability index), MLSI (medial-lateral stability index) and OSI (overall stability index) were measured using Biodex stability system. Covariance analysis was used to analyze the data (P < 0.05). Results: Results showed that the high-intensity resistance training and moderate-intensity resistance training significantly improved dynamic stability index in the anterior - posterior axis, medial - lateral axis and overall axis (P = 0.0001). No significant changes were observed in the anterior - posterior and medial - lateral axes after a detraining period (4 weeks), "durability rate". However, the overall axis values of the dynamic balance index in the moderate intensity training group indicated a higher durability rate than the high intensity resistance training group after detraining (P = 0.02). Conclusions: It can be concluded that the high and moderate intensity resistance training improved dynamic balance index, and even moderate intensity resistance training was effective after a period of detraining, so it can be recommended for basketball players. Keywords: Strength Training, Dynamic Balance, Neuromuscular Coordination, Elite Basketball Players