A comparison of functional vestibulo-ocular reflex and proprioception in athletes of combat sports and ball sports.

BACKGROUND

The contribution and role of sensory systems in providing postural control may vary depending on the condition or activity. Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and proprioception might be affected by the type of sport.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare athletes engaged in combat sports and ball sports in terms of functional VOR and proprioception.

DESIGN

This study is a cross-sectional, comperative research.

METHOD: Twenty-four athletes engaged in combat sports and 20 in ball sports were included in the study. Functional examination of VOR in athletes was performed with a novel Functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT). Proprioception analysis was evaluated using Laser Pointer Assisted Angle Reproduction Test (LPA-ART) in 90° shoulder flexion and abduction.

RESULTS

fHIT lateral and posterior % Correct Answer (CA) values and anterior SCC 6000°/s2 values of athletes engaged in ball sports were found to be statistically significantly higher than athletes in combat sports (p < 0.05). Except for anterior SCC 4000°/s2 value, scores of the ball players in all accelerations and directions were higher than combat sports athletes, although it was not statistically significant. The 90° shoulder flexion and abduction angle deviation values obtained from the LI-ATT were statistically lower in those who played ball sports (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in sports branches played with the ball is expected to provide gains for athletes who want to reach high-level performance in proprioceptive and vestibular functioning and those with vestibular/proprioceptive pathology. Maintaining clear vision in dynamic sports branches can be improved by training VOR function.