EFFECTS OF BALANCE TRAINING ON SELECTED SKILLS

• Published in: Journal of strength and conditioning research Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 422 - 428
• Main Authors: YAGGIE, JAMES A, CAMPBELL, BRIAN M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States National Strength and Conditioning Association 01.05.2006; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ovid Technologies
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Female; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Physical Education and Training - methods; Proprioception - physiology; Space life sciences; Sports - physiology
• ISSN: 1064-8011; 1533-4287
• DOI: 10.1519/00124278-200605000-00031

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 4-week balance training program on specified functional tasks. Thirty-six subjects (age = 22.7 ± 2.10 years; height = 168.30 ± 9.55 cm; weight = 71.15 ± 16.40 kg) were randomly placed into control (C; n = 19) and experimental groups (Tx; n = 17). The Tx group trained using a commercially available balance training device (BOSU). Postural limits (displacement and sway) and functional task (time on ball, shuttle run, and vertical jump) were assessed during a pretest (T1), a posttest (T2), and 2 weeks posttraining (T3). Multivariate repeated measures analysis (a = 0.05) revealed significant differences in time on ball, shuttle run, total sway, and fore/aft displacement after the exercise intervention (T2). T3 assessment revealed that total sway and time on ball remained controlled; however, no other measures were retained. Balance training improved performance of selected sport-related activities and postural control measures, although it is unclear whether the effect of training would transfer to general functional enhancement.