Michael Rebold, Ph.D., program director and associate professor of integrative exercise science at Hiram College, was recently published in the International Journal of Strength and Conditioning through the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA), along with Mallory Kobak, Ph.D., assistant professor of integrative exercise science, William Muirhead ’23, and Hannah Ward ’21. Their publication titled, The Effects of Various Modes of High-Intensity Anaerobic Exercise on Dynamic Balance Performance investigated how different high-intensity exercises, such as sprints, jumps, and squats, affected dynamic balance.
“Dynamic balance plays an important role in sports performance and injury prevention,” said Dr. Rebold. “Dynamic balance was worse after performing all bouts of high-intensity exercise; however, jumping resulted in a significant worsening from pre- to post-testing.” According to their research, there was a 16.41%, 10.56%, and 9.85% worsening of dynamic balance after performing the vertical jump, treadmill sprint, and barbell squat conditions, respectively. These exercises resemble sport-specific movements, such as sprinting or jumping, that athletes often perform in competitive play.
The research studied by Dr. Rebold, Dr. Kobak, Muirhead, and Ward can impact the way athletes understand their sports performance and risk of injury. “If one performs these types of movements, they are more likely to negatively affect their dynamic balance; therefore, decreasing their sport performance and increasing their risk for injury. It is important for strength and conditioning professionals and coaches to develop training programs aimed at allowing athletes to better withstand fatigue and be able to maintain their dynamic balance and sports performance while decreasing their risk for injury,” said Dr. Rebold.
By: Elyse Pitkin
