International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 12(1), pp. 120 - 128
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2024.120115
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Maturity Affects Static Balance in Early Adolescent Boys and Girls Associated with Achilles Tendon Stiffness

Zacharoula Paschaleri ^*, Theodoros M. Kannas , Georgios Chalatzoglidis , Fotini Arabatzi
Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of maturity status on static balance control in early adolescent boys and girls, with regards to Achilles tendon stiffness and plantar flexors force. Twenty boys and nineteen girls performed three balance tasks (two legs-eyes open, two legs-eyes closed, one leg stance) at 18 and 9 months before peak height velocity (PHV) and at PHV. We assessed the center of pressure (COP) displacements in anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions and electromyographic (EMG) activity of medial gastrocnemius (MG) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles and calculated the coactivation of these muscles. Additionally, we quantified Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness and plantar flexors force during an isometric contraction in the same time points. AT stiffness was related to increased TA activity during the three different balance tasks in boys, 18 and 9 months before PHV, whereas AT stiffness was related to increased co-activation in closed eyes task only 9 months before PHV in girls. Additionally, increased demands in ML direction balance control in the closed eyes task were related to increased plantar flexor muscles force in girls. These findings provide novel evidence that boys and girls employ different postural control patterns, related to AT stiffness, to maintain static balance across the adolescent growth spurt.

KEYWORDS
Adolescence, Balance Control, Achilles Tendon Stiffness, Plantar Flexors Force

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Zacharoula Paschaleri , Theodoros M. Kannas , Georgios Chalatzoglidis , Fotini Arabatzi , "Maturity Affects Static Balance in Early Adolescent Boys and Girls Associated with Achilles Tendon Stiffness," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 120 - 128, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2024.120115.

(b). APA Format:
Zacharoula Paschaleri , Theodoros M. Kannas , Georgios Chalatzoglidis , Fotini Arabatzi (2024). Maturity Affects Static Balance in Early Adolescent Boys and Girls Associated with Achilles Tendon Stiffness. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 12(1), 120 - 128. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2024.120115.