Authors: Mircea Ciprian Ungur1,2, Dana Badau1
Affiliation
1 Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania
2 University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Scienes and Technology G.E. Palade of Targu-Mures, Romania
Abstract
Background. Minifootball is a fast-paced sport that requires advanced motor skills and well-developed balance to maximize technical performance. Balance-specific exercises play a crucial role in stabilizing movements and optimizing players’ technical levels.
Aims. The study aimed to optimize the static balance of minifootball players through a 12-week training program using Blazepod technology.
Methods. 20 senior minifootball players participated in an experimental program with proprioceptive exercises focused on balance. These exercises were integrated into the team’s training sessions thrice weekly. To evaluate balance optimization in multiple movement directions, our study used the Star Excursion Balance Test, and the data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 24.
Results. The results indicated statistically significant improvements in balance across all tests. The greatest progress was observed in the lateral and medial directions on the left foot, 12.50 cm, and in the posterior and medial directions on the right foot, 12.25 cm. The effect size values ranged from 0.904 to 2.743, indicating a large to very large effect.
Conclusions. The results suggest that balance training using the modern Blazepod technology can significantly improve the performance of minifootball players, contributing to better balance, improved coordination, and enhanced technical execution.
Keywords: static balance, minifootball, proprioception, performance enhancement, Blazepod technology, sport training.
