Introducing a New Activity-Based Balance Index Using Accelerometer Data and Evaluate It as a Predictor of Skill Level Among Elite Junior Soccer Players

EasyChair Preprint 3329

Abstract

Balance is a complex phenomenon especially when someone wants to do complex motor skills. The assessment of balance during activity is more important than the static and dynamic balance tests. Recently, advanced laboratory equipment is also used to assess the balance quantitatively and precisely. One of these advanced equipment is state-of-the-art accelerometer. The aim of this study was to introduce a new activity-based balance index by using a triaxial accelerometer data. Twenty-seven junior soccer players whom participated in premier league were selected. Four functional tests consisting one leg stance, dynamic Y balance, running and dribbling tests were conducted to assess the players’ balance, activity and skill. During these four tests, besides their relative scores, the acceleration of body center was also recorded. By processing these acceleration data, a new activity-based balance index (ABI) were calculated. The Results showed significant positive correlation between ABI and both static and dynamic balance scores. Therefore, it seems that this new activity-based balance achieves success to evaluate the balance. Besides, significant negative correlation was found between ABI and dribbling scores, which demonstrate the agility required for this skill. Results showed that using the accelerometer data accurately, it is possible to assess balance not only in the laboratory, but also in many sport skills. It has a reasonable price, it is non-invasive device, and it is easy to use. Perhaps this is a different way of talent identification and also a guide to re-develop exercises from traditional into modern era.

Keyphrases: Biomechanical Phenomena, Postural balance, acceleration, athletic performance

@booklet{EasyChair:3329,
  author    = {Shahram Lenjannejadian and Jalil Reisi and Mehdi Salimi},
  title     = {Introducing a New Activity-Based Balance Index Using Accelerometer Data and Evaluate It as a Predictor of Skill Level Among Elite Junior Soccer Players},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 3329},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2020}}