Effect of Playing Football (soccer) on Balance, Strength, and Quality of Life in Unilateral Below-knee Amputees

Objective: To investigate the effect of playing football (soccer) on balance, muscle strength, locomotor capabilities, and health-related quality of life in subjects with unilateral below-knee amputation.

Design: Cross-sectional controlled study.

Results: Difference in KAT dynamic balance scores obtained 3 days after was statistically significant in the study group (P < 0.05) but not in the control group (P > 0.05). Differences in static balance test scores was statistically significant between the groups (P < 0.05) in favor of the study group. In isokinetic evaluation, differences in flexion and extension peak torque measures of the lower extremities were not statistically significant between the groups (P > 0.05). Differences in Houghton and Berg balance scales were not found statistically significant between the groups (P > 0.05). Differences in Locomotor Capabilities Index and in the SF-36 in physical functioning, physical role, pain, and emotional role between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05) in favor of the study group.

Conclusions: Our results show that playing football may have positive effects on balance and health-related quality of life in unilateral below-knee amputees.