Relationship between injuries, static endurance of the trunk muscles and static and dynamic balance in field hockey players

The problem of the study: field hockey is fast and dynamic sport, which is played using special stick, hence when players hit the ball there is only one side of the body being dominant depending on with which hand the hit was performed. Muscular asymmetry causes balance and static endurance of trunk muscles disorder, which increases injury risk. During examination, it would be possible to determine injured structures of players, which would help to organize training programs for athletes and prepare recommendations to prevent future traumas. The object of the study: relationship between injuries of field hockey players, static endurance of trunk muscles and static and dynamic balances. Hypothesis of the study: it is assumed, that static endurance of trunk muscles and static and dynamic balances of players, who did not experienced injuries is better comparing to injured athletes. The aim of the study: to determine relationship between injuries of field hockey players, static endurance of trunk muscles and static and dynamic balances. The goals of the study: 1. To determine spread of injuries of athletes under the test depending on gender and field position. 2. To determine static endurance of trunk muscles of athletes under the test and analyse it depending on gender and field position. 3. To determine upper and lower body parts static and dynamic balances of athletes under the test and analyse it depending on gender and field position. 4. To determine the relationship between obtained data. Methods of the study: questionnaire form for collecting data on injuries of field hockey players, length of playtime and anthropometrical information. To determine dynamic balance of upper and lower part of the body modified star excursion test was used (Y – balance test). To evaluate static balance was applied test standing on one leg and closed eyes. Static endurance tests for the trunk extensors, flexors and side bridges of athletes was obtained based on McGill (2007) introduced recommendations. Results: 46 field hockey players took part in research (23 men and 23 women). Average age of athletes was 20,5±3,83 years. 54,3% of players experienced injuries during the season. It was determined, that most of the injuries were in the knee (16,1%) and hand fingers (23,1%) areas. The biggest number of injuries (46,8%) was among midfielder position athletes. Static endurance of extensor (201,9±65,76) and flexor (248,5±84,26) muscles was statistically significantly larger among women than men (151,3±56,14), (169,3±69,09). Static balance of goalkeeper position athletes with their eyes shut was statistically significantly (14±4,90) larger comparing to defenders (8,7±5,04) and forwards (7,8±4,72). Conclusion: 1. More than a half of field hockey players had injuries during last season. Men injuries were mostly in knee areas, women - ankle and hand fingers areas. Midfielders had the most number of traumas, forwards – the least. 2. Static endurance of extensor and flexor muscles of women was statistically significantly larger comparing to men. Static endurance of trunk muscles of athletes from different field positions was not significantly different. 3. Static balance of goalkeepers with eyes shut was statistically significantly larger comparing to defenders and forwards. Women dynamic and static balance of upper and lower body parts with eyes shut was not significantly different comparing to men results. 4. Static endurance of trunk muscles, static and dynamic balance of lower part of the body of athletes, who had injury was statistically significantly larger comparing to athletes who did not experienced injury