The Effects of Proprioceptive Exercises on Vertical Jump and Balance Performance in Individuals with Different Somatotype Characteristics Engaged in Regular Fitness Training

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Aksoy Ö., Şengöl O., Pepe H.

Türk Spor ve Egzersiz Dergisi, cilt.27, sa.2, ss.363-372, 2025 (TRDizin)

Özet

This study aimed to investigate the effects of proprioceptive exercises on vertical jump and balance performance in individuals with different somatotype characteristics. A total of 67 male volunteers were included in the study and classified into endomorph (n=22), mesomorph (n=22), and ectomorph (n=23) groups. Participants engaged in an six-week proprioceptive exercise program performed twice weekly. The exercise protocol included movements selected for stable and unstable surfaces. Vertical jump performance was assessed using the Smart Jump Mat, while postural stability and balance skills were evaluated with the Sigma Balance Platform under botheyes-open and eyesclosed conditions. Balance performance was analyzedbased on parameters such as center of pressure (COP) swayarea and balance speed. To examine the effects of somatotype (between-subjectfactor: endomorph, mesomorph, ectomorph) and time (within-subjectfactor: pre-test and post-test) on vertical jump and balance parameters, a 3×2 mixed (Mixed ANOVA) design was applied. Prior to the analysis, normality and homogeneity of variances a ssumptions were assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. A significant time effect was observed only for vertical jump performance (p<0.001). In the between-group comparisons, a significant difference was found solely in balance speed (p=0.016), favoring mesomorph individuals over ectomorphs. While no significant differences were detected in other balance parameters, a moderate improvement trend was observed in the mesomorph group. Proprioceptive exercises may effectively support explosive power development in the short term. However, their impact on balance performance appears to vary depending on somatotype characteristics. Mesomorph individuals demonstrated a more favorable response to proprioceptive stimuli, where as improvements were limited in ectomorph individuals.