Active control stabilization of pelvic position in the transverse plane: an evaluation of soccer players' performance

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the capability of soccer players to stabilize pelvic position actively in the transverse plane; and, to evaluate the influence of lower limb dominance, length of exposure to soccer practice, and field position on pelvic stabilization capability.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Participants: Sixty-eight soccer players from under-15 (U-15) and professional categories.

Main outcome measures: Magnitude and asymmetry of pelvic tilt in the transverse plane, evaluated using the bridge test with unilateral knee extension.

Results: The magnitude of pelvic tilt did not differ between dominant and non-dominant sides, suggesting absence of relative asymmetry. However, there was difference between the sides of greater and lesser magnitude of pelvic tilt, indicating presence of absolute asymmetry. Players with shorter length of exposure to soccer practice (U-15 group) had greater pelvic tilt than players with longer length of exposure (professional group). There was no association of field position with the magnitude and asymmetry of pelvic tilt.

Conclusion: Soccer players showed asymmetry in pelvic stabilization capability that was unrelated to lower limb dominance or field position. Athletes with longer length of exposure to soccer practice present better capability to stabilize the pelvis in the transverse plane than those with shorter length of exposure to soccer practice.

Keywords: Athletes; Core stability; Pelvis; Sports.