Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Injuries to the lower extremities are very common among team athletes, particularly among volleyball players, and can be caused by a variety of underlying issues. The aim of our research is to examine a balance-training exercise program performed on a stabilometric platform, as well as its effects on core muscle strength and the reduction of injury risk, among healthy volleyball players.
METHODS: Our prospective, longitudinal, quantitative study involving 19 volleyball players, who were randomly divided into two groups: a case group (n=9) and a control group (n=10). Participants in the case group took part in a 3-month exercise program twice a week, for approximately 25 minutes each session. The training took place on a stabilometric platform and consisted of various balance-improving exercises. We used Y-Balance test, Plank test, Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test. Our research took place from February to May 2025 in Szombathely. We used descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and two-sample t-tests for the analysis, with a significance level of p<0,05.
RESULTS: As a result of our exercise program, we observed significant improvements in the Y-Balance test in all directions for both legs (p<0,05), in the Plank test (p=0,0001), and in the FMS test (p=0,0004). The case group also showed significant improvement compared to the control group in the Y-Balance test in all three directions (p<0,05). Furthermore, they achieved significantly higher scores in the Plank test (p=0,03) and the FMS test (p=0,03).
CONCLUSIONS: Our balance training program conducted on the stabilometric platform had a positive effect on the athletes’ core muscle strength and balance in all three specified directions, and also reduced their risk of injury. Based on our results, the use of this device may be beneficial for team athletes, offer a novel approach for athletes, and be advantageous in reducing the risk of injury.