Stroboscopic Vision Research Articles

Stroboscopic Vision Decreases Performance on the Y-Balance Test in Youth Athletes

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if stroboscopic vision significantly affected dynamic balance performance on the YBT-LQ in athletes aged 12-18 years. DESIGN: Single group pre-test post-test quasi experimental study METHODS: Two hundred seventy-two participants aged 12-18 years, who participated in a school- or club-sponsored sport, performed the Y-Balance Test Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ) without and with stroboscopic vision. Reach distances were recorded for each participant with and without stroboscopic vision. Main effects were analyzed to interpret the effect of stroboscopic vision on YBT-LQ performance, and secondary effects were analyzed to interpret the effect on individual reach directions and composite scores. RESULTS: There were significant main effects between YBT-LQ scores with and without stroboscopic vision ( p = <.001). Post hoc analyses identified a significant decrease in performance when participants performed the YBT-LQ with stroboscopic vision compared to the YBT-LQ under standard conditions in each reach direction, for left and right lower extremities. There was a significant decrease in composite scores when controlling for leg length of the participants. CONCLUSION: Performance of the YBT-LQ decreases when youth athletes’ vision is perturbed with stroboscopic vision.

Rebuilding Stability: Exploring the Best Rehabilitation Methods for Chronic Ankle Instability.

Background: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is a common condition characterized by repeated episodes of ankle "giving way" and impaired balance, leading to functional limitations. Various rehabilitation techniques, including balance training, proprioceptive exercises, whole-body vibration (WBV), and novel approaches like stroboscopic vision, are used to address these deficits. This review evaluates the effectiveness of different rehabilitation interventions for CAI management. Methods: A review was conducted by analyzing 11 randomized controlled trials that investigated the impact of balance and proprioceptive training programs on CAI. The primary outcomes assessed were the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the risk of bias was evaluated with the ROB 2 tool. Results: All rehabilitation interventions demonstrated significant improvements in SEBT, CAIT, and FAAM scores. However, no single intervention was found to be consistently superior. Traditional balance training, strength exercises, BAPS, and WBV all provided meaningful functional gains. Stroboscopic vision training showed similar effectiveness compared to conventional approaches. The evidence supports a combination of balance and strength training for optimal recovery. Conclusions: Balance and proprioceptive exercises are effective in managing CAI, with improvements in both dynamic stability and subjective outcomes. No intervention stands out as the best, but personalized programs incorporating various methods are recommended. Future research should explore the long-term effects and potential synergies of combined interventions.

Case Study-effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season

Case Study-effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season

There is No Supporting Evidence for a Far Transfer of General Perceptual or Cognitive Training to Sports Performance.

In this opinion piece I reiterate the concepts of near and far transfer as previously described in the psychological literature. I show that despite very limited evidence, many technologies, tools and methods make questionable claims of eliciting far transfer from generic perceptual and/or cognitive training to sports performance. Specifically, this commentary illustrates with studies on stroboscopic vision, neurofeedback training and executive functions that the claims made for the beneficial effects of these training methods are currently unsubstantiated. I conclude that greater scrutiny by researchers is needed in order to assist practitioners to make better-informed decisions about tools, methods and technologies that may aid sports performance.

Effects of Stroboscopic Vision on Depth Jump Motor Control: A Biomechanical Analysis.

Researchers commonly use the 'free-fall' paradigm to investigate motor control during landing impacts, particularly in drop landings and depth jumps (DJ). While recent studies have focused on the impact of vision on landing motor control, previous research fully removed continuous visual input, limiting ecological validity. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of stroboscopic vision on depth jump (DJ) motor control. Ground reaction forces (GRF) and lower-extremity surface electromyography (EMG) were collected for 20 young adults (11 male; 9 female) performing six depth jumps (0.51 m drop height) in each of two visual conditions (full vision vs. 3 Hz stroboscopic vision). Muscle activation magnitude was estimated from EMG signals using root-mean-square amplitudes (RMS) over specific time intervals (150 ms pre-impact; 30-60 ms, 60-85 ms, and 85-120 ms post-impact). The main effects of and interactions between vision and trial number were assessed using two-way within-subjects repeated measures analyses of variance. Peak GRF was 6.4% greater, on average, for DJs performed with stroboscopic vision compared to full vision (p = 0.042). Tibialis anterior RMS EMG during the 60-85 ms post-impact time interval was 14.1% lower for DJs performed with stroboscopic vision (p = 0.020). Vastus lateralis RMS EMG during the 85-120 ms post-impact time interval was 11.8% lower for DJs performed with stroboscopic vision (p = 0.017). Stroboscopic vision altered DJ landing mechanics and lower-extremity muscle activation. The observed increase in peak GRF and reduction in RMS EMG of the tibialis anterior and vastus lateralis post-landing may signify a higher magnitude of lower-extremity musculotendinous stiffness developed pre-landing. The results indicate measurable sensorimotor disruption for DJs performed with stroboscopic vision, warranting further research and supporting the potential use of stroboscopic vision as a sensorimotor training aid in exercise and rehabilitation. Stroboscopic vision could induce beneficial adaptations in multisensory integration, applicable to restoring sensorimotor function after injury and preventing injuries in populations experiencing landing impacts at night (e.g., military personnel).

Temporal samples of visual information guides skilled interception.

This study investigated whether performance of an interceptive skill requires an intact visual-perception-action cycle. Eleven skilled male Australian rules football athletes (Mage = 17.54, SD = 0.15) were recruited from an elite developmental pathway squad for a within-subject study. Participants were required to kick a ball directly at a goal from a 20-meter distance while wearing a pair of stroboscopic glasses. The glasses were used to create four vision conditions. Condition one kept intact the visual-perception-action cycle with uninterrupted vision of the motor skill. Three other conditions included stroboscopic vision that presented temporal samples of vision, which interrupted the perception-action cycle through progressive increases to intermittent vision occlusion of the motor skill. Goal kick error of ball position relative to a central target line within the goal and number of successful goals kicked were measured. Written report of internal and external focus of attention was also measured after each vision condition. Generalized estimating equation analysis did not reveal a significant decrement in kick target error, nor accuracy of goals scored, across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. Performance was maintained despite a shift in attention focus from external to internal across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for the visual regulation of skilled interceptive actions.

Stroboscopic Goggles Impair Postural Control in Those With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: Ankle sprains are highly common and can lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Individuals with CAI have a variety of sensorimotor impairments including poor postural control and altered sensory organization strategies. Visual occlusion modalities, if worn during neuromuscular control exercises, may facilitate greater postural control gains and a more appropriate sensory organization strategy. However, a cumulative review of the ability of visual occlusion modalities (e.g., stroboscopic goggles) to impair postural control and thus demonstrate the potential to facilitate greater postural gains has not yet been completed. Clinical Question: Does stroboscopic vision impair postural control in those with and without CAI, and if so, is the impairment comparable between the groups? Summary of Key Findings: Regardless of how postural control was assessed, stroboscopic vision impaired postural control relative to an eyes open (i.e., no goggles) condition. All studies demonstrated that those with and without CAI were impacted equally. Stroboscopic vision resulted in postural control impairments comparable to an eyes closed in some but not all studies. Clinical Bottom Line: Stroboscopic vision impairs postural control in both those with CAI and uninjured controls. Strength of Recommendation: There is moderate-quality evidence (Grade B) that stroboscopic vision impairs postural control in those with CAI and uninjured controls.

The Effect of Stroboscopic Vision Training on Blind-folded Straight-line Walking

The Effect of Stroboscopic Vision Training on Blind-folded Straight-line Walking

Repeated stroboscopic vision training improves anticipation skill without changing perceptual-cognitive skills in soccer players

In this study we aimed to analyze the repeated effect of stroboscopic vision training on perceptual-cognitive skills in soccer players. A total of 28 male soccer players participated in this experimental and randomized study with parallel groups. The soccer players were pair-matched according to perceptual-cognitive skills and randomized into two groups: Stroboscopic vision training and Control. Multiple object tracking, anticipation, and decision-making skills were measured before and after the 8-week intervention. An increase in multiple object tracking (p < 0.05) and decision-making skills (p < 0.05) from baseline to post-experiment was found in both groups without main group effect (p > 0.05). The findings showed an increase in anticipation skill from baseline to post-experiment in both groups (p < 0.05), with higher anticipation skill for the stroboscopic group than in the control group post-experiment (p < 0.05). Thus, we conclude that repeated stroboscopic vision training could improve anticipation skill in soccer athletes.

A Preliminary Investigation into the Neural Correlates of Knee Loading during a Change of Direction Task in Individuals after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Central nervous system (CNS) function after ACLR, quantified by the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response, is altered in regions of sensory function during knee movement after ACLR. However, it is unknown how this altered neural response may manifest in knee loading and response to sensory perturbations during sport specific movements. To investigate the relationship among CNS function and lower extremity kinetics, under multiple visual conditions, during 180° change of direction task in individuals with a history of ACLR. Eight participants, 39.3 ± 37.1 months after primary, left ACLR performed repetitive active knee flexion and extension of their involved knee during fMRI scanning. Participants separately performed 3D motion capture analysis of a 180° change of direction task under full vision (FV) and stroboscopic vision (SV) conditions. A neural correlate analysis was performed to associate BOLD signal to knee loading of the left lower extremity. Involved limb peak internal knee extension moment (pKEM) was significantly lower in the SV condition (1.89 ± 0.37 N*m/Kg) compared to the FV condition (2.0 ± 0.34 N*m/Kg) (p = .018). Involved limb pKEM during the SV condition was positively correlated with BOLD signal in the contralateral precuneus and superior parietal lobe (Voxels: 53; p = .017; z-stat max: 6.47; MNI peak: 6, -50, 66). There is a positive association between involved limb pKEM in the SV condition and BOLD response in areas of visual-sensory integration. Activation of contralateral precuneus and superior parietal lobe brain regions may be a strategy to maintain joint loading when vision is perturbed. Level 3.

Stroboscopic vision prolongs visual motion perception in the central nervous system.

Stroboscopic training has repeatedly been shown to improve visual and visuomotor performance in sports. Although recent research suggests that stroboscopic vision puts a training stimulus to the central nervous system, the underlying mechanism how it affects motion perception and processing in the brain is still unknown. Twenty-six participants performed a computer-based simple reaction test in response to a visual motion stimulus under normal (baseline) and stroboscopic conditions (5Hz frequency, 40% duty cycle) (stroboscopic). A third condition under normal vision intermittently stopped the motion stimulus at the same frequency and duty cycle as in the stroboscopic condition. This condition controlled for the amount of visual motion information independent of the shutter glasses (screen shutter) and provided information about the effect of luminance changes induced by the stroboscopic eyewear. A 64-channel EEG was recorded to determine the amplitude and latency of the N2 component as a correlate of visual motion perception in the motion-sensitive visual area MT. Reaction time under stroboscopic conditions was significantly delayed when compared to both the baseline (p < 0.001) and screen shutter (p < 0.001) conditions. This was accompanied by a significantly prolonged N2 latency (p < 0.001) and lower N2 amplitude (p < 0.001) with the shutter glasses. There was no difference in reaction time or N2 amplitude/latency between the baseline and screen shutter condition (p ≥ 0.176). Stroboscopic eyewear delays the speed of visual motion perception and processing in the central nervous system and reduces the visuomotor reaction speed. This may form the neurophysiological basis for performance gains following stroboscopic training.

An exploratory study on the effect of a four-week stroboscopic vision training program on soccer dribbling performance

BACKGROUND: Perceptual-cognitive skill is a crucial component of expert performance in sport as expert athletes rely on the integration and processing of sensory information to execute complex actions. One of the topics of interest to skill acquisition researchers is therefore how the perceptual-cognitive system can be trained, and how that affects sport skill performance. One of the methods suggested to be able to aid in the training of perceptual-cognitive skill is restricted visual feedback training. Recently, stroboscopic vision glasses have been proposed as a tool that can restrict visual feedback during sport training and may therefore provide a useful tool for training sport-specific skills.However, despite its use in practice, evidence for the beneficial effect of stroboscopic vision on sport-specific performance across youth athletes with a range of performance levels is currently lacking. AIM: Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a four-week soccer training program with (experimental group) or without (control group) stroboscopic vision on the dribbling performance of relatively fast and slow dribblers. METHOD: To measure dribbling performance, this study used the Ugent Soccer dribbling task. RESULTS: A Repeated Measures MANOVA revealed that four weeks of stroboscopic vision training did not improve soccer dribbling skill measured through the time taken to complete the dribbling task as well as the number of touches of the ball while dribbling. CONCLUSION: While stroboscopic vision can likely lead to short term changes in perceptual-cognitive skill, it is likely not related to persistent changes in soccer dribbling performance in youth soccer players.

Adaptations of postural sway dynamics and cortical response to unstable stance with stroboscopic vision in older adults.

Background: Stroboscopic vision (SV), intermittent visual blocking, has recently been incorporated into postural training in rehabilitation. This study investigated interactions of postural fluctuation dynamics and cortical processing for the elderly during stabilometer stance with SV. Methods: Thirty-five healthy elderly maintained an upright stance on a stabilometer. Along with postural fluctuation dynamics, EEG relative power and EEG-EEG connectivity were used to contrast neuromechanical controls of stabilometer stance with SV and full-vision. Results: Compared with the full-vision, SV led to greater postural fluctuations with lower sample entropy and mean frequency (MF). SV also reduced regional power in the mid-frontal theta cluster, which was correlated to SV-dependent changes in the size of postural fluctuations. SV also enhanced the alpha band supra-threshold connectivity in the visual dorsal and frontal–occipital loops of the right hemisphere, and the supra-threshold connectivity from Fp2 positively related to variations in the MF of postural fluctuations. Conclusion: SV adds challenge to postural regulation on the stabilometer, with the increasing regularity of postural movements and fewer corrective attempts to achieve the postural goal. The elderly shift over-reliance on visual inputs for posture control with more non-visual awareness, considering deactivation of the dorsal visual stream and visual error processing.

Visual reweighting using stroboscopic vision in healthy individuals

Testing how individuals use visual information to maintain balance has been traditionally limited to two extreme conditions: eyes closed and eyes open. Stroboscopic glasses allow clinicians to control the amount of visual information that influences balance, varying between eyes open and closed. Seventeen uninjured participants completed the sensory organization test (SOT) under three visual conditions: full occlusion, high occlusion (i.e., 100ms transparent, 400ms opaque), and low occlusion (i.e., 100ms transparent, 100ms opaque). Equilibrium scores were calculated from the Neurocom Balance Master system during double-limb stance and the three-trial average from each condition and SOT was used for analysis. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the interaction between and within factors of vision (i.e., full occlusion, high occlusion, low occlusion, and no occlusion) and support surface (i.e., firm and sway). Increased visual occlusion negatively impacts balance on a firm surface and is amplified when somatosensory cues are unreliable. These findings highlight the importance of somatosensory cues as a guiding sensory modality for balance, especially when vision is occluded.

Effects of Stroboscopic Vision on Postural Control in Individuals With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability

Objectives: Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) tend to increase their reliance on visual information, perhaps to compensate for proprioceptive deficits which appear after lateral ankle sprains. However, little is known about how limited visual feedback would alter static postural control in patients with CAI compared with copers and controls. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of reduced visual feedback via stroboscopic glasses on static balance among CAI, coper, and uninjured control participants. Design: Controlled trial in a laboratory setting. Methods: Nineteen patients with CAI, 19 copers, and 19 controls participated in this study. Each participant performed a single-leg balance test with eyes open, stroboscopic vision, and eyes closed. Two-way analysis of variance (group × condition) was used to examine the differences between condition (eyes open, stroboscopic vision, and eyes closed) and group (CAI, coper, and control). Results: There were no significant interactions for static balance. Although there were no group effects among 3 groups for all static postural control measures, visual condition main effects were present (P &lt; .01) for each dependent variable. Across all groups, anterior–posterior and mediolateral center of pressure path length and center of pressure velocity with stroboscopic vision were greater than the condition with eyes open (P &lt; .01) and less than with eyes closed (P &lt; .01). Conclusions: Stroboscopic glasses could be cost effective visual disruption equipment during static postural control regardless of ankle injury history. However, incorporating static balance with limited visual information via stroboscopic glasses could not display the differences in visual reliance in individuals with and without CAI.

Kronik Ayak Bileği İnstabilitesinde Yürüyüş Sırasında Stroboskopik Antrenmanın Ayak Bileği Mekaniğine Etkisi: Klinik Deneyler

Objective: To determine the effect of 6-week stroboscopic training on ankle gait mechanics in athletes with chronic ankle instability. Material and Methods: Thirty-nine participants were assigned to the stroboscopic group (SG, n=13), non-stroboscopic group (NSG, n=13), and control group (CG, n=13). Three-dimensional kinematic pretest gait analysis was performed with the Noraxon system. Ankle joint angles were recorded for 75 seconds while the athletes walked on a treadmill at a speed of 3.5 m/s. After the pretest, the SG performed 6 weeks of balance training with stroboscopic vision, the NSG performed 6 weeks of balance training without stroboscopic vision, and the CG received no training. Ankle gait analysis was repeated after 6 weeks. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with one between-subjects factor was performed. Results: Gait analysis revealed a significant increase in ankle dorsiflexion angle between pretest and posttest in the SG (p<0.001, ηp2=0.34). Between-group comparisons showed significantly higher dorsiflexion angle in the SG compared to the CG (p=0.001, ηp2=0.15) and NSG (p=0.002, ηp2=0.11). Gait analysis of 100 kinematic data points starting at heel strike was performed using MATLAB. The results demonstrated the increase in ankle range of motion in the SG occurred in the dorsiflexion angle during the midstance phase of gait. Conclusion: Stroboscopic glasses modulate visual feedback and may be clinically useful in allowing progressive rehabilitationtargeting the dependence on visual feedback for motor control.

Stroboscopic Augmented Reality as an Approach to Mitigate Gravitational Transition Effects During Interplanetary Spaceflight

During interplanetary spaceflight, periods of extreme gravitational transitions will occur such as transitions between hypergravity, hypogravity, and microgravity. Following gravitational transitions, rapid sensorimotor adaptation or maladaptation may occur which can affect gaze control and weaken dynamic visual acuity in astronauts. A reduction in dynamic visual acuity during spaceflight could possibly impact or impair mission critical activities (e.g., control of extraterrestrial machinery/vehicles and other important tasks). Stroboscopic visual training is an emerging visual tool that has been terrestrially observed to enhance visual performance and perception by performing tasks under conditions of intermittent vision. This technique has also been seen to increase the dynamic visual acuity for individuals terrestrially. To mitigate the decreased dynamic visual acuity that is observed in astronauts following gravitational transitions, stroboscopic vision training may serve as a potential countermeasure. We describe the effects of gravitational transitions on the vestibulo-ocular system and dynamic visual acuity, review terrestrial stroboscopic visual training, and report the novel development of stroboscopic augmented reality as a possible countermeasure for G-transitions in future spaceflight.

The effects of visual feedback disruption on postural control with chronic ankle instability

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify the effects of reduced visual feedback via stroboscopic glasses on dynamic postural control among chronic ankle instability (CAI), lateral ankle sprain (LAS) coper and uninjured control participants. DesignControlled trial in a laboratory setting. MethodsTwenty CAI patients, 20 copers, and 20 controls participated in this study. Each participant performed a single-leg hop stabilization test with eyes open (EO) and stroboscopic vision (SV). Two-way ANOVAs (group × condition) were used to examine the differences between group (CAI, coper, and control) and condition (EO and SV). ResultsThere was a significant group by condition interaction for DPSI scores. CAI patients displayed increased DPSI scores with SV compared to EO (p < 0.01), and CAI patients had increased DPSI scores only with SV when compared with controls. All participants displayed decreased dynamic postural control under the SV condition compared to the EO condition (p < 0.01) regardless of ankle group. ConclusionsCAI patients rely more on visual feedback during dynamic postural control than copers and controls. However, they may not be as able to compensate for the disrupted visual feedback during a dynamic task. Regardless of ankle injury history, stroboscopic glasses could be cost-effective visual disruption devices during a dynamic balance task.

Short-Term Effects of Balance Training with Stroboscopic Vision for Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is one of the most common musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Stroboscopic vision (SV) training has been deemed to enhance somatosensorial pathways in this population group; nevertheless, until recently no studies have addressed the additional effects of this treatment option to the traditional therapeutic approach. Methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of a partial visual deprivation training protocol in patients with CAI, a randomized controlled trial was carried out. Patients with CAI (n = 73) were randomized into either a balance training, SV training, or a control (no training) group. For participants assigned into training groups, they received 18 training sessions over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was dynamic balance as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcome measures included ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, self-reported instability feeling, and ankle functional status. Results: Better scores in stroboscopic training and balance training groups in all outcome measures were observed in comparison with the control group with moderate to large effect sizes. Stroboscopic training was more effective than neuromuscular training in self-reported instability feeling (cohen’s d = 0.71; p = 0.042) and anterior reach distance of the star excursion balance test (cohen’s d = 1.23; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Preliminary findings from the effects of SV Stroboscopic training in patients with CAI, suggest that SV may be beneficial in CAI rehabilitation.

Reliance on Visual Input for Balance Skill Transfer in Older Adults: EEG Connectome Analysis Using Minimal Spanning Tree.

Skill transfer from trained balance exercises is critical to reduce the rate of falls in older adults, who rely more on vision to control postural responses due to age-dependent sensory reweighting. With an electroencephalography (EEG) minimum spanning tree (MST) structure, the purpose of this study was to compare the organization of supraspinal neural networks of transfer effect after postural training using full and intermittent visual feedbacks for older adults. Thirty-two older adults were randomly assigned to the stroboscopic vision (SV) (n = 16; age = 64.7 ± 3.0 years) and control (16; 66.3 ± 2.7 years) groups for balance training on a stabilometer (target task) with on-line visual feedback. Center-of-pressure characteristics and an MST-based connectome of the weighted phase-lag index during the bilateral stance on a foam surface (transfer task) were compared before and after stabilometer training. The results showed that both the SV and control groups showed improvements in postural stability in the trained task (p < 0.001). However, unlike the control group (p = 0.030), the SV group who received intermittent visual feedback during the stabilometer training failed to reduce the size of postural sway in the anteroposterior direction of the postural transfer task (unstable stance on the foam surface) in the post-test (p = 0.694). In addition, network integration for the transfer task in the post-test was absent in the SV group (p > 0.05). For the control group in the post-test, it manifested with training-related increases in leaf fraction in beta band (p = 0.015) and maximum betweenness in alpha band (p = 0.018), but a smaller diameter in alpha (p = 0.006)/beta (p = 0.021) bands and average eccentricity in alpha band (p = 0.028). In conclusion, stabilometer training with stroboscopic vision impairs generalization of postural skill to unstable stance for older adults. Adequate visual information is a key mediating factor of supraspinal neural networks to carry over balance skill in older adults.