Balance differences between college-aged and senior games basketball players

The present pilot study investigated differences in spatio-temporal gait variables between women’s Senior Games basketball players and NCAA Division One basketball players. Twenty-one female participants in age-controlled cohorts were tested utilizing OptoGait (Mahopec, NY) technology. Individuals were tested prior to scheduled practices or competitions to reduce the effects of fatigue on gait parameters. Six primary gait variables were chosen for analysis: step length, stride length, step time, contact phase, foot flat phase, and propulsive phase; additionally subjective and demographic data were collected. Age controlled groups significantly differed in step length, stride length, and propulsive phase. Differences in step time, contact phase, and foot flat phase were statistically nonsignificant. These findings may indicate different gait strategies for women’s basketball players at different ages/participation levels. Investigation into these differences may lead to changing practice activities to maximize participation benefits and reduce injury for older adults.