Tabari Biomedical Student Research Journal

Background & Objectives: Postural control is a complex function that maintains the vertical center of gravity (COG) and requires the cooperation of three sources of proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular systems. However, somatotype, an anthropometric factor, and fatigue disturb postural control, which leads to sports injuries. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of functional fatigue on dynamic balance of 18-25 year-old males with different somatotypes.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, the research population corresponded to a group of 45 male students of Guilan University who were chosen out of 120 volunteers using non-random sampling method. All tests were
administered at the gym and the measurements were performed in the Corrective Exercises laboratory of Guilan University in 2015. For the purpose of determining the type of somatotype and the amount of fatigue, Heath-Carter method and rated
perceived exertion scale (REP) were employed, respectively. In addition, the balance of the subjects was assessed by Y-balance test before and after the functional fatigue protocol. Data analysis was performed using dependent t-test, ANOVA,
and Bonferroni post hoc test with a P-value of <0.05.
Results: According to the results of the study, the effect of functional fatigue on dynamic balance of males with an average age of 22.88±2.23 years, height of 177.05±5.26 cm, and weight of 73.76±12.60 kg and with mesomorph(p=0.01),endomorph (P=0/001), and ectomorph (P=0/001) somatotypes was found to besignificant (P˂0.05). Moreover, the results demonstrated a significant difference in the Y-balance between mesomorph and endomorph (P˂0.001), mesomorph and ectomorph (P˂0.022), and endomorph and ectomorph somatotypes (p˂0.044).
Conclusion: Taking in account the significant decrease in the dynamic balance of subjects with different somatotypes, it is recommended to use balance training exercises before taking part in any physical activities and perform appropriate exercises in order to promote fitness.