Differences in Stabilometric Parameters During Static Balance Maintenance in Female Wrestlers of Different Weight Categories

Background: The aim of the study was to verify or falsify the relationships between body weight (weight category groups) and the ability to maintain balance in conditions of restricted field of vision and support area in female wrestlers. Methods: The study involved female wrestlers (n=34), who were divided into three weight categories. The Romberg test was performer using a freeSTEP STANDARD stabilometric platform. The analyzed stabilometric parameters measuring the range of center of pressure (CoP) deviation were: total path length (PL) of foot-pressure on the ground. Results: The postural stability of female wrestlers is determined by their position, the quality of visual information, the limitation of the support base, and their weight category. As visual information and the support base were limited (when standing on one leg), the deviation of the centre of gravity increased (right leg: f2 = .293, p< .005). Lightweight competitors showed the biggest body deviations in the ‘standing with both feet and eyes open’ position compared to the middleweight and heavyweight categories (eyes open EO f2 = .233, p< .05; eyes closed EC f2 = .217, p< .05). The differences between the tests with eyes open and closed were statistically significant only in the lightweight category. Conclusions: Balance training on the right leg with eyes open can be a sensitive diagnostic test, highlighting differences in stability levels between weight groups. It indicates the need to develop stability while eliminating visual compensation in order to compensate for these differences in competitive sports.