THE ROLE OF BALANCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MOTOR AND COGNITIVE ABILITIES IN YOUTH BASKETBALL PLAYERS
Author(s)
Boglárka Horváth, MSc1, Anna Gyurasits, BSc2, Ádám Bali, BSc3, Diána Elmer, BSc, MSc, PhD4, Tamás Rátvay, BSc3.
1Institute of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 2University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Sopron Sports School Association, Sopron Sport School Basketball Academy, Sopron, Hungary, 4University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institute of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 2University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Sopron Sports School Association, Sopron Sport School Basketball Academy, Sopron, Hungary, 4University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: In the case of youth basketball players, balance development is of paramount importance for both movement quality and mental performance. Our aim was to assess and develop the static and dynamic balance, motor and cognitive functions, and overall performance of youth male basketball players.
METHODS: Our prospective, longitudinal, quantitative study was conducted in Sopron between January and March 2025. Using non-random purposive sampling, 21 youth basketball players who had been playing basketball for at least two years were recruited and divided into an intervention group (U13: n=12) and a control group (U11: n=9). The intervention group performed supplementary balance development training twice a week for 6 weeks, while the control group performed it once a week. Assessments were conducted using the Y-Balance Test, Wii Balance Board, Activ5 muscle strength monitor, MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) test, and standardized basketball technical tests (shooting, dribbling, passing). Their performance was measured using the Psychological Characteristics Related to Sports Performance questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, paired and two-sample t-tests, and linear regression were used for data processing (p<0.05).
RESULTS: In the intervention group, all examined variables showed a significant improvement (p<0.05). Our results indicated a significant positive correlation between dynamic balance and muscle strength (intervention: r=0.645, p=0.029; control: r=0.649, p=0.049). However, no significant correlation was found between balance and memory (p>0.05). A significant relationship was established between balance and performance in both groups (intervention: r=0.590, p=0.041; control: r=0.654, p=0.049).
CONCLUSIONS: Although muscle strength and balance show a close correlation, a direct relationship between balance status and memory could not be confirmed, suggesting a purely motor nature of the development. Based on the obtained data, balance control plays a major role in sports performance.
METHODS: Our prospective, longitudinal, quantitative study was conducted in Sopron between January and March 2025. Using non-random purposive sampling, 21 youth basketball players who had been playing basketball for at least two years were recruited and divided into an intervention group (U13: n=12) and a control group (U11: n=9). The intervention group performed supplementary balance development training twice a week for 6 weeks, while the control group performed it once a week. Assessments were conducted using the Y-Balance Test, Wii Balance Board, Activ5 muscle strength monitor, MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) test, and standardized basketball technical tests (shooting, dribbling, passing). Their performance was measured using the Psychological Characteristics Related to Sports Performance questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, paired and two-sample t-tests, and linear regression were used for data processing (p<0.05).
RESULTS: In the intervention group, all examined variables showed a significant improvement (p<0.05). Our results indicated a significant positive correlation between dynamic balance and muscle strength (intervention: r=0.645, p=0.029; control: r=0.649, p=0.049). However, no significant correlation was found between balance and memory (p>0.05). A significant relationship was established between balance and performance in both groups (intervention: r=0.590, p=0.041; control: r=0.654, p=0.049).
CONCLUSIONS: Although muscle strength and balance show a close correlation, a direct relationship between balance status and memory could not be confirmed, suggesting a purely motor nature of the development. Based on the obtained data, balance control plays a major role in sports performance.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
PCR70
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal), No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas