The Effects of Various Modes of High-Intensity Anaerobic Exercise on Dynamic Balance Performance

This study assessed the effects of various modes of high-intensity anaerobic exercise (e.g., sprinting, squatting, and jumping) on dynamic balance performance. Twenty-five college-age student- athletes participated in three, high-intensity anaerobic exercise conditions (treadmill sprint, barbell squat, and vertical jump) on three separate days with only one condition being performed per week in a randomized order. Dynamic balance became significantly (t = 2.21, p = 0.04) worse from pre- to post-testing after completing the vertical jump protocol (5.24 ± 2.29 and 6.1 ± 1.92, respectively). There were no significant (t < 1.75, p < 0.19) differences in dynamic balance from pre- to post- testing after performing the treadmill sprint (5.68 ± 1.68 and 6.28 ± 2.06, respectively) and barbell squat (5.18 ± 1.64 and 5.69 ± 1.81, respectively) protocols. While Tabata sprint and barbell squat protocols revealed no significant effects on dynamic balance, a similar-intensity Tabata vertical jump protocol produced a significant detriment in dynamic balance performance. These findings suggest that the vertical jump may uniquely hinder subsequent sport performance and increase risk of balance-related injury when compared to intensity- matched sprinting or squatting. These results may be attributable to an increased propensity to fatigue when performing bouts of vertical jump compared to sprinting or squatting, thus reducing the proprioceptive capability of the body.