Postural stability – a comparison between rowers and field sport athletes

Postural stability (PS) is an important function for maintaining equilibrium during periods of standing still, locomotion, and any motor activities that require high degree of balance. High PS is essential in different sports for the regulation of voluntary movement and for improving athletic physical condition and performance. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the static PS of elite rowing athletes and field sport athletes. Methods: A total of 90 elite athletes (age: 23.9 ± 1.97 years; body height: 174.9 ± 8.9 cm; body weight: 67.7 ± 12.03 kg) were divided into Rowing (N = 47) and Field sport (N = 43) athlete groups. Static PS parameters were assessed with a static double-leg and single-leg standing stability test on a force plate platform. Results: The multivariate analysis of variance showed a general stability difference between the groups (F = 13.255; P < 0.0001), in double leg stability (F = 16.735; P < 0.0001), and left leg (F = 15.097; P < 0.0001) stability parameters. When analyzing variables separately, significant statistical differences were observed in favor of the Rowing group in double leg sway area (p = 0.017; ES = -0.07), double leg center of force (COF) traveled way (p < 0.0001; ES = -27.42), length function of surface (p < 0.0001; ES = -26.86), right leg ML displacement (p = 0.030; ES = -0.46), left leg sway area (p = 0.030; ES = -0.44), left leg COF traveled way (p < 0.0001; ES = -60.63), left leg AP displacement (p = 0.043; ES = -0.44). Conclusion: These results underline the differences in rowing and field sport athletes in terms of static PS. The characteristics of sport and competition may affect PS, and it is important to adjust training modalities for the required level of PS in every sport, especially in rowing.