Effects of multidirectional stabilization exercises on postural stability in adolescent boys

Abstract

Introduction. Dynamic postural stability is an important component of motor performance, neuromuscular control, and injury prevention in adolescents. During adolescence, rapid biological growth and neuromuscular maturation may influence balance performance, making targeted stabilization training particularly relevant in this age group. Despite increasing interest in stabilization-based interventions, evidence regarding the effectiveness of multidirectional stabilization exercises in school-aged adolescents remains limited. Material and methods. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of three multidirectional stabilization exercise programs on postural stability in 13-year-old boys assessed using the 8-directional Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), the 4-directional SEBT, and the 3-directional Y Balance Test (YBT). The research sample consisted of 30 boys who regularly attended an extracurricular football program. Following baseline assessment, participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups according to the type of stabilization exercises performed: an 8-directional group (n = 10), a 4-directional group (n = 10), and a 3-directional group (n = 10). The intervention lasted eight weeks and was performed twice weekly. Dynamic postural stability was assessed before and after the intervention using the 8-directional Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), the 4-directional SEBT, and the 3-directional Y Balance Test (YBT). Statistical analysis included paired-sample t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and effect size calculations. Results. Statistically significant improvements were observed across all analyzed directions in all three intervention groups (p < 0.05). The greatest improvements were recorded in the posterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Composite score analysis confirmed significant enhancements in overall dynamic postural stability for both lower limbs following the intervention. Although slightly greater improvements were observed in the Y Balance Test protocol, no statistically significant differences were identified among the three intervention approaches. Discussion. The findings indicate that multidirectional stabilization exercises contribute to improved neuromuscular coordination, proprioceptive function, and dynamic balance performance. The positive adaptations observed across all intervention groups suggest that stabilization training promotes global improvements in postural control regardless of the number of movement directions included in the exercise program. Conclusions. Multidirectional stabilization exercises represent an effective and practical method for improving postural stability in adolescent boys. The results support the inclusion of stabilization training in physical education and extracurricular sports programs and suggest that simplified balance assessment protocols may provide comparable information regarding dynamic postural stability.