A comparison of functional vestibulo-ocular reflex and proprioception in athletes of combat sports and ball sports

BACKGROUND: The contribution and role of sensory systems in providing postural control may vary depending on the condition or activity. Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and proprioception might be affected by the type of sport. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare athletes engaged in combat sports and ball sports in terms of functional VOR and proprioception. DESIGN: This study is a cross-sectional, comperative research. METHOD: Twenty-four athletes engaged in combat sports and 20 in ball sports were included in the study. Functional examination of VOR in athletes was performed with a novel Functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT). Proprioception analysis was evaluated using Laser Pointer Assisted Angle Reproduction Test (LPA-ART) in 90° shoulder flexion and abduction. RESULTS: fHIT lateral and posterior % Correct Answer (CA) values and anterior SCC 6000°/s(2) values of athletes engaged in ball sports were found to be statistically significantly higher than athletes in combat sports (p < 0.05). Except for anterior SCC 4000°/s(2) value, scores of the ball players in all accelerations and directions were higher than combat sports athletes, although it was not statistically significant. The 90° shoulder flexion and abduction angle deviation values obtained from the LI-ATT were statistically lower in those who played ball sports (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in sports branches played with the ball is expected to provide gains for athletes who want to reach high-level performance in proprioceptive and vestibular functioning and those with vestibular/proprioceptive pathology. Maintaining clear vision in dynamic sports branches can be improved by training VOR function.