Comparison of Stability Scores on Adult Participants Using Commercial Balance Methods

Abstract

METHODS: Currently, many commercial products or methods are being marketed for being the best way to improve overall balance and stability. Several of these products have not been tested or compared to see if stability range limits can be improved within a five week session by using these devices. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare if commercial balance methods can improve Limit of Stability (LoS) scores in healthy adult participants? METHODS: A 4 group pre-test/post-test non-equivalent control group design was selected for the protocol. Subjects were grouped into 4 categories, Bosu Balance Trainer (BBT), Slack-line Device (SLD), Vinyasa Yoga (VG) and Control Group (CG). All subjects (n = 148) were assessed pre and post via computerized posturography (Bertec, Inc. Columbus, OH) to determine (LoS) stability scores through sagittal and anterior/posterior planes. The experimental groups (BBT, SLD, VY) practiced their skills twice a week for at least 30 minutes for 5 straight weeks. A 4 x 2 multivariate MANOVA was used to determine any significance (p <0.05) within subjects and between groups. RESULTS: Significance was observed in the frontal (p = .036) and right sagittal planes (p = .034) within the experimental groups. VY was significantly higher in the frontal plane (SD = 3.07 + 1.09) than BBT (SD = 3.64 + .82) or SLD (SD = 3.97 + .73). However, SLD was significantly higher in the right sagittal plane (SD = 4.16 + .72) compared to VY (SD = 3.67 + .54) and BBT (SD = 3.31 + .46). Post-hoc power scores demonstrated a value of 1.0 with regards to effect between subjects (group) and within subjects (time/time * group). CONCLUSION: Commercial balance methods can contribute to increasing Limit of Stability (LoS) scores in healthy adults. However, there is not a definitive program or device that increases LoS in all planes, based upon the results of this study.