Effect Of Bosu Balance Trainer® Vs Original Step® On Health- And Skill-Related Components Of Physical Fitness

Abstract

Unstable surface training, such as the BOSU Balance Trainer, has grown in popularity in many rehabilitation and general exercise settings as a way to improve general fitness and athletic performance through balance training. However, most studies that have examined these claims have come back with insignificant results. To determine if the BOSU Balance Trainer provided additional benefits for the healthrelated and skill-related components of physical fitness compared to performing the same exercise program on the Original Step for healthy, active individuals. Fifteen subjects (ages 19-24 yr) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. The two treatment groups (BOSU = 5 and Step = 5) followed the 30-minute BOSU Total Body Workout DVD 3 days/week for 6 weeks. The control group (n = 5) was not allowed to participate in any resistance training program for the 6 weeks. Body composition (bioelectrical impedance device), flexibility (sit-in-reach), muscular endurance (1-minute sit-up and push-up), muscular strength (3 repetition maximum parallel squat), cardiovascular endurance (YMCA 3-minute step test), and balance (Stork test) were assessed before and after the 6 weeks of training. There were no significant differences between groups for any of the health-related and skill-related components tested. The BOSU Balance Trainer did not provide any additional benefits or increases in general fitness compared to the Original Step or control group. Based on responses to a questionnaire, subjects in group 3 did not like performing the BOSU Balance Trainer exercise program on the Original Step. Group 2 liked training on the BOSU; however, both groups indicated that the intensity of the training DVD did not progress. Because of this, subjects were unmotivated and bored. Future research should take into account the duration, intensity, and progression of the DVD training program.