Effect of a core stability, M. Gluteus medius and proprioceptive exercise programme on dynamic postural control in netball players

Abstract

Maintaining dynamic postural control is essential for netball players as they frequently find themselves on one leg having to make a precise pass. Evaluation of the physical profile of elite university netball players found poor balance during pre-season. The research aimed to determine if a six-week exercise programme incorporating core stability, m. gluteus medius strengthening and proprioceptive balance exercises would lead to improvement in dynamic postural control in netball players. A crossover randomised clinical trial was performed on nineteen all-female university level netball players. The 19 participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n=8) participated in the exercise programme three times a week for six weeks, while Group B (n=8) acted as the control group after which roles were reversed. Participants were assessed at baseline, after six and 12 weeks using the Star Excursion Balance Test. A statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) was found in dynamic postural control across three reach directions (anterior, medial and posterior) post participation in the exercise programme. A programme incorporating core stability, m. gluteus medius and proprioceptive balance exercises could be beneficial for improving dynamic postural control in all-female university level netball players.