The Effect of Eight-Week Proximal Stability Training on postural stability in Parkourers

In the last decade particular attention has been paid to the proximal part of the kinetic chain in purpose of improving performance and preventing sports injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of proximal stability training on dynamic postural control in male parkourers.

30 men Professional Parkourers in Alborz province were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned into the experimental group (age=21.07±2.46, height=175.10±5.35, mass=67.33±9.27) and control group (age=20.20±2.31, height=175.93±4.65, mass=67.33±8.45) in this semi-experimental study. The experimental group took eight weeks of proximal stability training. The protocol was performed three times per week while the control group performed their routine training. Dynamic postural stability was evaluated using the anterior/posterior and medial/lateral time to stabilization during single-leg jump landing by force plate, Single-leg Triple Hop and Y balance tests before and after training. Covariance analysis was used to analyze the data.

The results of covariance showed a significant difference between experimental and control groups in the mean scores of Single-leg Triple Hop in either dominant (P=0.000) and non- dominant limbs (P=0.002), Y balance in either dominant (P=0.00) and non- dominant limbs (P=0.00), and time to stabilization in medial- lateral (P=0.001), and anterior-posterior (P=0.001).
Discussion and

Given the nature of the parkour sport and the need for postural control at high levels, it is recommended that these athletes use proximal stability exercises to improve postural control and ultimately improve their overall performance in parkour