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 .
Prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Team Handball Players: A Prospective Intervention Study Over Three Seasons
Objective To assess the effect of a neuromuscular training program on the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female team h and ball players . Design Prospect i ve intervention study . Setting Female team h and ball : Division I – III in Norway . Participants Players from the three top divisions : control season ( 1998–1999 ) , 60 teams ( 942 players ) ; first intervention season ( 1999–2000 ) , 58 teams ( 855 players ) ; second intervention season ( 2000–2001 ) , 52 teams ( 850 players ) . InterventionA five-phase program ( duration , 15 min ) with three different balance exercises focusing on neuromuscular control and planting/l and ing skills was developed and introduced to the players in the autumn of 1999 and revised before the start of the season in 2000 . The teams were instructed in the program and supplied with an instructional video , poster , six balance mats , and six wobble boards . Additionally , a physical therapist was attached to each team to follow up with the intervention program during the second intervention period . Main Outcome Measures The number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries during the three seasons and compliance with the program . Results There were  29 anterior cruciate ligament injuries  during the control season , 23 injuries during the first intervention season ( OR , 0.87 ; CI , 0.50–1.52 ; p = 0.62 ) , and 17 injuries during the second intervention season ( OR , 0.64 ; CI , 0.35–1.18 ; p = 0.15 ) . In the elite division , there were 13 injuries during the control season , six injuries during the first intervention season ( OR , 0.51 ; CI , 0.19–1.35 ; p = 0.17 ) , and five injuries in the second intervention season ( OR , 0.37 ; CI , 0.13–1.05 ; p = 0.06 ) . For the entire cohort , there was no difference in injury rates during the second intervention season between those who complied and those who did not comply ( OR , 0.52 ; CI , 0.15–1.82 ; p = 0.31 ) . In the elite division , the risk of injury was reduced among those who completed the anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention program ( OR , 0.06 ; CI , 0.01–0.54 ; p = 0.01 ) compared with those who did not . Conclusions This study shows that it is possible to prevent anterior cruciate ligament injuries with specific neuromuscular training
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 .