Effects of 8-weeks of stable vs unstable surface destabilizing training on shot outcome in elite golfers (Efectos de 8 semanas de entrenamiento desestabilizador en superficies estables vs inestables sobre el resultado de los golpes en golfistas de élite)

Purpose: This research aimed to compare the effect of two intervention programs using stable or unstable surfaces on speed and hitting distance in golf stroke/swing. Methods: Twenty-five elite golfers (19.20 ± 1.77 years, height = 181.12 ± 4 cm, body mass = 75.35 ± 5.83; kg, BMI = 22.71 ± 1.76 kg.m2, handicap: 2.49 ± 2.56) were randomly assigned to two different 8-week training programs based on unstable surface (n = 12) or stable surface training (n=13). Measurements of carry distance and club head speed were performed using the Trackman Golf® system, with each participant executing five swings and obtaining the average and best distance. Results: No significant changes (p< 0.05) in the club head speed or carry distance were found after the intervention in the stable surface or the unstable surface training group. Conclusions: The proposed intervention using instability surfaces does not provide any additional benefit to training on stable surfaces in the specific performance of the stroke in elite golfers. Resumen. Objetivo: Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo comparar el efecto de dos programas de intervención que utilizan superficies estables o inestables sobre la velocidad y la distancia de golpeo en el golpeo/swing de golf. Métodos: Veinticinco golfistas de élite (19,20 ± 1,77 años, altura = 181,12 ± 4 cm, peso corporal = 75,35 ± 5,83; kg, IMC = 22,71 ± 1,76 kg.m2, hándicap: 2,49 ± 2,56) fueron asignados aleatoriamente a dos programas de entrenamiento diferentes de 8 semanas de duración basados en superficies inestables (n = 12) o en superficies estables (n = 13). Las mediciones de la distancia de golpeo y la velocidad de la cabeza del palo se realizaron con el sistema Trackman Golf®, ejecutando cada participante cinco swings y obteniendo la media y la mejor distancia. Resultados: No se encontraron cambios significativos (p< 0,05) en la velocidad de la cabeza del palo ni en la distancia de golpeo después de la intervención en el grupo de entrenamiento en superficie estable o en el de superficie inestable. Conclusiones: La intervención propuesta utilizando superficies de inestabilidad no aporta ningún beneficio adicional al entrenamiento en superficies estables en el rendimiento específico del golpe en golfistas de élite.

Proof-of-Concept of the Virtual Reality Comprehensive Balance Assessment and Training for Sensory Organization of Dynamic Postural Control

Accurate quantification of the impact of visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems on postural control may inform tailor-made balance intervention strategies. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to determine the safety, sense of presence, system usability, and face validity of a newly developed Virtual Reality Comprehensive Balance Assessment and Training (VR-ComBAT) in healthy young individuals. The VR-ComBAT included six balance condition: (1) stable surface with fixed virtual reality (VR) surroundings; (2) stable surface with blacked out VR surroundings; (3) stable surface with VR visual conflict; (4) unstable surface with fixed VR surroundings; (5) unstable surface with blacked out VR surroundings; and (6) unstable surface with VR visual conflict. Safety was evaluated using the number of adverse events, including scores on the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. Sense of presence was evaluated using the igroup Presence Questionnaire (iPQ). System usability was assessed using the Systems Usability Scale (SUS). Friedman analyses with post hoc Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were employed to demonstrate face validity by quantifying center of pressure (COP) changes in mean distance, mean velocity, and mean frequency in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) direction across the six conditions. Twenty-three participants (27.4 ± 8.0 years old; 13 women) reported no adverse events. Participants scores on average 44.9 ± 9.6 on the iPQ and 79.7 ± 9.9 on the SUS. Post hoc analyses showed significant changes in COP-based measures when compared to baseline. The mean frequency change of COP showed direction-dependence in which increased frequency change in AP was observed while decreased change in ML was noted. The VR-ComBAT provides a safe, feasible, and cost-effective VR environment that demonstrates consistent sensory re-weighting between visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems. Future studies should investigate whether VR-ComBAT can be used to inform precision rehabilitation of balance and fall prevention in older adults without and with neurological conditions.

Comparison of Postural Stability and Regulation among Female Athletes from Different Sports

The aim of this study was to evaluate the postural regulation of female athletes who participate in different sports under normal and high-demand conditions. Fifty-nine female athletes were classified into four specific groups based on their individual sport, which included basketball (n = 16), gymnastics (n = 10), ski jumping (n = 13), diving (n = 8), and one group of recreational athletes (n = 12). These groups were then compared using several posturographic tests under four bipedal conditions: eyes open or closed and on a stable surface or foam pad. While there were some differences between groups standing in the less demanding positions (stable surface), the higher demanding positions (unstable surface-foam pads) showed significant differences between the technical sports (ski jumping, diving, and gymnastics) and basketball and recreational athletes. Most (50%, 6/12) of significant differences were provided by sports. In contrast, the predictors age, weight, and height played only a minor role within the covariance analysis. The largest effect by sports was detected for the anterior-posterior weight distribution standing on foam pads with closed eyes (p = 0.015, ηp2 = 0.211). Ski jumping and recreational athletes showed the largest (p = 0.011) partial difference by sports for this parameter and test position. According to the parameters, the weight distribution index (WDI) was the variable with the most significant effects (50%, 6/12). These results provide coaches and athletes with a more sport specific view on postural regulation and potentially assist in identifying deficits to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Effects of six weeks of stable versus unstable multi-dimensional surfaces balance training on passing skills and balance performance in young male basketball players

Background and objective: Adolescence is a period when balance and coordination decrease as a result of rapid musculoskeletal growth. These changes may affect various sports-specific skills, including balance. This study aimed to examine the changes in balance performance and basketball passing speed in male youth basketball players following six weeks of balance training performed on unstable versus stable surfaces. Methods: Twenty-five male basketball players, mean age 15.53 ± 0.57 years, participated in balance training on different surfaces (unstable surface (US, n = 13); stable surface (SS, n = 12)) for six weeks (2 days/week; 35 to 50 min/day, incrementally). Their physical characteristics, passing skills (passing accuracy and speed test) and balance performance (Y-Balance Test and The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test) were measured. Results: The improvement rates for passing accuracy (effect size (ES) = 0.86, moderate, P < 0.001), lower extremity (ES right = 0.94, moderate, P < 0.001; ES left = 0.88, moderate, P < 0.001) and upper extremity (ES right = 1.01, moderate, P < 0.001; ES left = 0.94, moderate, P < 0.001) balance scores, upper extremity stability test power (ES = 0.89, P ≤ 0.001) and the normalized scores (ES = 1.20, moderate, P < 0.001) of the US group were higher than those of the SS group. Passing speed significantly increased only in the US group (P < 0.028). Conclusion: A multi-dimensional surface training model improved balance performance and passing accuracy skills compared to a stable surface training model for male basketball players. US balance training may be used as a complementary training model to increase dynamic balance and passing accuracy skills for male basketball players.