The effect of proprioception on strength and functional parameters in adolescent basketball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of proprioception exercises on joint position sense, strength, functional stability and endurance in adolescent basketball players. In the study, basketball players, aged 13-16, were randomly divided into two groups as exercise group (n = 11) and control group (n = 9). Exercise group performed open kinetic chain functional proprioception exercises twice a week for 6 weeks. Before and after the exercise program all participants were subjected to the proprioception test and isokinetic muscle strength test on the isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex Humac NORM) respectively. On a different day than laboratory tests, participants performed field tests, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test and modified push-up test before and after the exercise program. Proprioception measurement was performed by measuring the joint position sense at 60˚ and 120˚ target angles, in the supine position and direction of 0˚-180˚ shoulder flexion-extension. Isokinetic muscle strength test was applied in the same position and direction. In statistical analysis, significance level was accepted as p <0.05. There were no significant difference in strength, proprioception and functional parameters except peak torque values between groups before the exercise program. After the exercise program, in the exercise group there was no significant difference in the joint position sense at 60˚ target angle while at 120˚ target angle there was a significant improvement in the proprioception values. There was no significant difference between pre and post measurements in the proprioception values in the control group. There was no significant difference in the peak torque, peak torque / body weight and total work done before and after exercise program. In the exercise group significant increase was observed in the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test and modified push-up test after the exercise program. A significant difference was found in the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test values after the exercise program between the groups. As a result of our study, we observed that the proprioception exercises positively affect the joint position sense and improve the functional stability and endurance values. We can say that proprioception training does not directly affect the existing muscle strength, and the muscle strength should be developed with functional features in sports-specific skills in order to improve athletic performance. We suggested that proprioceptive training should be included in the training programs and organized specifically for the adolescent age group, where the development can change in a very short time, especially in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Key words: Proprioception, strength, stability, endurance, adolescent basketball player