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Comparison of balance performance between masters Olympic weightlifters and runners
Author(s) -
Riemann Bryan L.,
Mercado Mara,
Erickson Kayleigh,
Grosicki Gregory J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.13729
Subject(s) - vestibular system , balance (ability) , medicine , dynamic balance , physical medicine and rehabilitation , somatosensory system , physical therapy , audiology , physics , quantum mechanics , psychiatry
Balance disorders are a common problem among older adults that greatly increase susceptibility for falls and fractures. Aerobically trained older (masters) athletes tend to exhibit superior balance abilities compared to that of healthy age‐matched counterparts. Olympic weightlifting involves tremendous power production and motor skill coordination throughout the body which may prompt unique sensory information acquisition and integration adaptations. The purpose of this investigation was to compare a modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance performance between middle‐aged (~40‐60 years) masters Olympic weightlifters (OWL, n = 48) and runners (RUN, n = 42). Average mediolateral center of pressure velocity (MLCPV) was computed during completion of 2 double leg trials (30‐s) completed on firm (FI) and foam (FO) surfaces with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). While there were no significant differences between the groups for either the EO‐FI ( P = .143, d = 0.34) or EO‐FO ( P = .209, d = 0.26), the OWL demonstrated significantly better balance (lower MLCPV) than the RUN for both the EC‐FI ( P = .009, d = 0.59) and EC‐FO ( P = .001, d = 0.70). The most salient result of this investigation was the identification of better balance performance by the OWL, particularly when visual inputs were unavailable (ie, EC), compared to the RUN. These results suggest that Olympic weightlifting may provide a superior training stimulus for somatosensory and vestibular function compared to running in middle‐aged adults, a benefit that may help to offset archetypal age‐related balance deficits.