Exercise With Unstable Objects: A Descriptive Survey Among Health Care and Fitness Professionals

Abstract

Exercise with unstable objects is a popular intervention used by health care and fitness professionals. Understanding different professional beliefs and usage patterns might provide insight for future research and development of evidence-based guidelines. The purpose of this survey study was to document the perceptions, beliefs, and the use of exercise with unstable objects among health care and fitness professionals in the United States. Six hundred and sixteen respondents completed the survey. Most respondents used unstable objects for musculoskeletal postinjury fitness/return to performance (72%). Most believed the main therapeutic effects were enhanced motor control (88%), balance (86%), and somatosensory (85%) function. Most reported using the foam pad (80%) and BOSU (84%). The most used subjective measure was the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. Most respondents used single limb stance (85%) to measure static motor control and the single leg squat assessment (51%) for dynamic motor control. Respondents used variables such as dynamic movement, repetition and sets, and time during training. Respondents considered recent injury or surgery and neurological or vestibular conditions as the top precautions. Respondents considered acute injury or surgery and neurological or vestibular conditions as the top contraindications. This survey provides insight into health care and fitness professionals perceptions, beliefs, and use of exercise with unstable objects.