Six weeks of At-Home BTrackS Target Tracking Training Induces Sustained Dynamic Balance Improvement in Healthy Young Adults

Published: 5 May 2022| Version 1 | DOI: 10.17632/pspvnmzwzg.1
Contributor:
Daniel Goble

Description

Data for manuscript: Six weeks of At-Home BTrackS Target Tracking Training Induces Sustained Dynamic Balance Improvement in Healthy Young Adults Background/Objective: The Balance Tracking System (BTrackS) Target Tracking Training (TTT) protocol requires an individual to keep an onscreen dot within a moving target circle via leaning movements that are sensed by a BTrackS balance plate. The present study sought to determine for the first time if short duration at-home training using BTrackS TTT could improve dynamic balance. Methods: Fifteen healthy young adults (mean age = 22.4 years) performed BTrackS TTT for six weeks at home, with an average of five, three-minute sessions per week. The first three weeks of BTrackS TTT were completed on the firm surface of a BTrackS Balance Plate, while the final three weeks were performed on a foam cushion on top of the plate. This was followed by a three-week retention period where participants performed no training. Dynamic balance changes were assessed at multiple timepoints with the BTrackS Limits of Stability (LOS) protocol. Results: Participants significantly improved BTrackS TTT from the first to last day of training in both three-week periods (p<0.01). This increase was mirrored by improved BTrackS LOS results. Specifically, BTrackS LOS area (i.e. dynamic balance) increased significantly from Baseline to the end of the first three weeks of training (p<0.001), and again after the second three weeks (p<0.01). These gains were maintained following the retention period. Conclusion: The present findings support the use of short duration BTrackS TTT to improve dynamic balance at home. This increase in dynamic balance could ultimately be used a practical means of improving athletic performance.

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Institutions

Oakland University

Categories

Human Movement Studies

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