There is strong evidence to suggest that balance training can improve static balance ability on stable and unstable surfaces , as well as dynamic balance ability .
Elite athletes have the potential to improve static balance on an unstable surface and dynamic balance ability , but a ceiling effect appears to occur with stable balance ability on a stable surface .
Balance training programs performed at least 10 minutes per day , 3 days per week , for 4 weeks that incorporate various methods of balance training appear to improve balance ability .
Types of balance training included the use of tilt boards , unstable surfaces , and dynamic body movements while maintaining a static stance
Balance is considered a risk factor for several injuries and consequently a focus of many strengthening , injury prevention , and rehabilitation programs .
There are several studies that have evaluated the ability of balance training to improve balance ability in a healthy population with no general consensus .
We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of balance training on improving various forms of balance ability in a healthy population .
Effect of Training on Postural Control in Figure Skaters: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Neuromuscular Versus Basic Off-Ice Training Programs
Objectives : To compare the effect of a neuromuscular training program and a basic exercise program on postural control in figure skaters . Design : Two groups ; parallel design ; prospect i ve , r and omized controlled trial . Setting : Postural control laboratory , arenas , September 2001 to December 2002 . Participants : Forty-four young , healthy figure skaters ( 18 years ± 3 years ) . Interventions : Participants were r and omly assigned to receive a neuromuscular training program ( n = 22 ) or a basic exercise training program ( n = 22 ) . Both programs were completed 3 times per week for 4 weeks , and each session was supervised . Main Outcome Measurements : Participants completed baseline and postintervention measures of postural control on a force plate . Postural control was quantified as the center of pressure ( CoP ) path length during tests of single-limb st and ing balance that mimicked figure skating skills and challenged the postural control system to varying degrees . The primary outcome measure was the CoP path length observed during a l and ing jump test completed with eyes closed . Results : The post intervention CoP path lengths during the more challenging tests were significantly ( P < 0.05 ) lower ( indicating better postural control ) for the neuromuscular trained group than for the basic exercise-trained group . For the l and ing jump test completed with eyes closed , the percent improvement in the neuromuscular trained group was significantly greater ( mean = 21.0 ± 22.0 % ) than the basic exercise trained group ( mean = −4.9 ± 24.9 % ; P < 0.05 ) . The magnitude of improvement in the neuromuscular-trained group ranged from approximately 1 % to 21 % , depending on the specific postural control test used . Conclusions : The results suggest that off-ice neuromuscular training can significantly improve postural control in figure skaters , whereas basic exercise training does not
There is strong evidence to suggest that balance training can improve static balance ability on stable and unstable surfaces , as well as dynamic balance ability .
Elite athletes have the potential to improve static balance on an unstable surface and dynamic balance ability , but a ceiling effect appears to occur with stable balance ability on a stable surface .
Balance training programs performed at least 10 minutes per day , 3 days per week , for 4 weeks that incorporate various methods of balance training appear to improve balance ability .
Types of balance training included the use of tilt boards , unstable surfaces , and dynamic body movements while maintaining a static stance
Balance is considered a risk factor for several injuries and consequently a focus of many strengthening , injury prevention , and rehabilitation programs .
There are several studies that have evaluated the ability of balance training to improve balance ability in a healthy population with no general consensus .
We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of balance training on improving various forms of balance ability in a healthy population .