Unstable Surface Training Research Articles

The Effects of Unstable Surface Training on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Effects of Unstable Surface Training on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Training Methods in the Sport of Surfing: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT Surfing has grown significantly in the past decade as highlighted by its inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games. This growth substantiates a need for training methods that improve surfing performance. The purpose of this review is to (a) identify training methods available to competitive and recreational surfers in peer-reviewed literature, (b) evaluate the effectiveness of these methods, and (c) highlight any limitations and potential areas for future research. Five electronic databases were searched, and 8 papers were identified that met the eligibility criteria. Five of these studies used a quasiexperimental design, and 1 used a case study. The remaining 2 studies used field-based outcome measures specific to paddling; however, no study demonstrated improvement in wave-riding performance. The main training methods identified were (a) resistance training, (b) unstable surface training, and (c) cardiovascular training. Maximal strength training of the upper-body and high-intensity and sprint-interval paddling demonstrated effectiveness for improving paddling performance; however, unstable surface training was ineffective. Although all interventions improved laboratory-based outcomes, there were no objective measures of wave-riding performance. The findings of this scoping review demonstrate a paucity and low level of evidence in peer-reviewed literature relating training methods to surfing performance.

Effects of Complex Functional Strength Training on Balance and Shooting Performance of Rifle Shooters

The purpose of this research was to study the effects of complex functional strength training (whole-body vibration + unstable surface training) on overall shooting performance, including the shooters’ stability of hold, time on target, and the body sway. We compared the shooters’ performances at three time intervals: (a) pretraining, (b) 6 weeks post-WBV+UST, and (c) 6 weeks detraining. The study participants were eight rifle shooters. Training was c on an unstable surface with vibration frequency of 30 Hz and amplitude of 2 mm. Six weeks after complex training, participants’ shooting performance and body sway significantly improved. Specifically, shooting scores and total time improved by 5.50% and 7.34%, respectively, as did the DevTotal values between performances at different times: 10 ms (p = 0.01), 20 ms (p = 0.04), 30 ms (p = 0.02), and 40 ms (p = 0.02). The DevY values also showed significant differences between performances at different times: 10 ms (p < 0.01), 20 ms (p < 0.01), 30 ms (p < 0.01), 40 ms (p < 0.01), and 50 ms (p < 0.01). A 6 week complex training method can effectively improve shooting stability, fluency, and scores.

Considerations for the Physical Preparation of Freestyle Snowboarding Athletes

ABSTRACT The rapid growth in trick progression for competitive snowboarding over the past 20 years has resulted in increased physical demands required from snowboarding athletes. Despite a wealth of knowledge surrounding strength and conditioning principles for other sports, researchers are yet to address the novel strength and conditioning challenges faced by the freestyle nature of competitive snowboarding. This article, therefore, offers practitioners strategies to address the unique considerations surrounding cultural qualities, injury prevention, unstable surface training, skill acquisition, and recovery strategies for the effective implementation of strength and conditioning interventions for snowboarding athletes.

The effect of the combination of whole body vibration and shoe with an unstable surface in chronic ankle instability treatment: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common condition following an ankle sprain. This study investigated the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) and shoe with an unstable surface training on balance, functional performance, strength, joint position sense in people with CAI.MethodThirty- four peoples with unilateral CAI were randomly assigned to three groups: WBV group, WBV with shoe with an unstable surface (WBV-S), and no treatment control group (CON). The WBV group received 4 weeks progressive WBV training and the WBV-S group received progressive WBV training with shoe with an unstable surface. Modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT)reach distance, Hop-Test, muscle strength, and joint position sense were measured at baseline and after the 4 weeks; Moreover, the mSEBT and Hop-Test were reassessed again 2 weeks post intervention.ResultsThe result showed a significant group-by-time interaction for anterior and posterolateral directions of mSEBT. The reach distance of these directions at post-intervention and follow-up increased significantly compare to pre-intervention in the WBV and WBV-S groups but not significantly change in the CON group. The Hop test in the WBV-S group was significantly more at post-intervention and follow-up compared to pre-intervention. However, no significant changes were observed in WBV and CON groups. No significant changes were observed for mSEBT posteromedial direction, muscles strength, and joint position sense errors.ConclusionThe 4 weeks WBV and WBV-S interventions could improve balance in peoples with CAI. Improvement in Hop test was only observed in the WBV-S group suggesting the added value of combining WBV and shoe with an unstable surface as an effective therapy compared to WBV training alone. The use of WBV and WBV-S were not associated with significant changes in strength and joint position sense variables over a four-week period.Trial registrationThis work registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20151118025105N4).

Unstable Surface Training Is More Effective For Improving Stability Than Walking Training In Stroke Survivors

Unstable Surface Training Is More Effective For Improving Stability Than Walking Training In Stroke Survivors

Unstable Surface Training Effects on Balance and Lower Limb Power in Adolescent Female Soccer Players

Unstable Surface Training Effects on Balance and Lower Limb Power in Adolescent Female Soccer Players

The Effects of Manual Therapy and PRIMFIT Unstable Surface Balance Training on Walking Gait Cycle Post an Acute Grade 3 Inversion Ankle Sprain: A Case Study

1. Abstract <span style=font-size: 10.0pt> This case demonstrates the effectiveness of a rehabilitation product and protocol that incorporates manual therapy and unstable surface training. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effect of a four- week unstable training protocol using PRIMFIT product in conjunction with manual physical therapy on walking gait in a 17- year old, with grade 3 ankle sprain and multiple ligament tears. A PRIMFIT protocol was designed and performed bi-weekly under supervision of a physical therapist and also bi-weekly by the patient independently. Patient’s walking gait was tested once a week using an OPTOGAIT System. The patient demonstrated significant clinical and statistical improvements in all gait and time parameters measured by OPTOGAIT system, as well as increased ankle mobility, decreased swelling and markedly decreased pain. For this patient, a combination of manual therapy techniques, PRIMFIT product and rehabilitation exercises were able to significantly improve and normalize walking gait, in addition to eliminating swelling and pain. However, further research is needed with additional cases, especially those with similar or other injuries to develop the efficacy of the PRIMFIT product and protocol.

Comparison of the effects of visual feedback training and unstable surface training on static and dynamic balance in patients with stroke.

[Purpose] This study compared the effects of visual feedback training and unstable surface training on the static and dynamic balance of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The study enrolled 20 stroke patients and randomly assigned them to visual feedback training and unstable surface training groups. Both groups performed 30 minutes of conventional exercise therapy twice a week for 4 weeks. In addition, the subjects in the visual feedback training group completed a visual feedback training regimen and the subjects in the unstable surface training group completed training on an unstable surface (30-minute session three times a week for 4 weeks in both groups). Static and dynamic balance parameters were recorded immediately before and after the 4 weeks of training. For data analysis, the paired and independent t-test was used to compare the two groups. [Results] In the visual feedback training group, the sway line at the postural sway of the center of pressure and trace length decreased significantly after training. In both groups, the sway range at the limits of stability in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions increased significantly after training. [Conclusion] Visual feedback training was better at improving static and dynamic balance than unstable surface training in stroke patients.

The effects of exercising on an unstable surface on the gait and balance ability of normal adults.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine that therapeutic efficacy of an unstable surface on balance and gait ability in normal individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Forty subjects participated in the experiment and were randomly assigned to an experimental group of 20 subjects and a control group of 20 subjects. The experimental group performed balance exercise on an Aero-Step device (Aero-Step XL, TOGU, Prien-Bachham, Germany). The control group performed balance exercise on rigid ground. All subjects performed balance training 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. After the intervention, balance measuring equipment (Good Balance, Metitur, Jyvaskyla, Finland) was used to quantitatively measure balance ability. [Results] Significant differences in post-training gains in the variables of static balance, dynamic balance, and velocity were observed between the experimental group and the control group. [Conclusion] Unstable surface training aimed at improving balance ability is considered to have a positive effect.

Activation of Selected Core Muscles during Pressing

Introduction: Unstable surface training is often used to activate core musculature during resistance training. Unfortunately, unstable surface training is risky and leads to detraining. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine core muscle activation during stable surface ground-based lifts. Methods: Fourteen recreational trained and former NCAA DI athletes (weight 84.2 ± 13.3 kg; height 176.0 ± 9.5 cm; age 20.9 ± 2.0 years) volunteered for participation. Subjects completed two ground-based lifts: overhead press and push-press. Surface EMG was recorded from 4 muscles on the right side of the body (Rectus Abdominus (RA), External Oblique (EO), Transverse Abdominus (TA), and Erector Spinae (ES). Results: Paired sample T-tests identified significant muscle activation differences between the overhead press and the push-press included ES and EO. Average and peak EMG for ES was significantly greater in push-press (P<0.01). Anterior displacement of COP was significantly greater in push-press compared to overhead press during the eccentric phase. Conclusion: The push-press was identified as superior in core muscle activation when compared to the overhead pressing exercise. Keywords: torso, stability, weight lifting, resistance training

Effects of an Unstable Load on Force and Muscle Activation During a Parallel Back Squat.

Stability training has become commonplace in the strength and conditioning field. Although unstable surface training has been investigated, little is known regarding the efficacy of performing resistance exercises with an unstable load. The purpose of this study was to determine if performing a parallel back squat with an unstable load (weights suspended from the bar by an elastic band) produces greater ground reaction forces (GRFs) and muscle activation in the trunk and lower extremities than a stable condition (a normally loaded barbell). Fifteen resistance-trained males (age: 24.2 ± 3.4 years, mass: 83.4 ± 18.7 kg) completed 10 repetitions of the back squat, with 60% of their 1 repetition maximum in both stable and unstable conditions. Peak vertical GRF and the integrated muscle activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, soleus, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and erector spinae muscles on the right side of the body were determined The unstable load resulted in a small (3.9%) but significant decrease in peak vertical GRF. The unstable load also produced greater muscle activation in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and soleus. The findings of this study suggest that squatting with an unstable load will increase activation of the stabilizing musculature; and while force decrements were statistically significant, the decrease was so small it may not be relevant to practitioners.

An Evaluation of Upper-Body Muscle Activation During Coupled and Uncoupled Instability Resistance Training

Recently, there has been a growth in the popularity of resistance exercises performed on unstable surfaces. However, the relationship between unstable surface training and load coupling on muscle activation is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in muscle activation during a barbell (BB) (coupled) and dumbbell (DB) (uncoupled) chest press exercise performed on an unstable surface. The 3 specific chest press conditions included 50% 1 repetition maximum (RM) with BB (50% BB), 50% 1RM with DBs (50% DB), and 25% 1RM with DBs (25% DB). Ten male subjects participated in the study (age, 23.9 ± 2.6 years; body weight, 82.8 ± 10.2 kg). During testing, mean electromyographic activity was assessed for pectoralis major (PM), triceps brachii, anterior deltoid (AD), and rectus abdominis (RA) and was presented as a percent change across the lifting conditions. It was observed that muscle activation increased by 15% in both the PM and RA from the 50% BB condition to the 50% DB condition. Also, the greatest percent difference in muscle activation between the 50 and 25% DB conditions occurred for PM and AD (+54% during 50% DB). These results suggest that demands on the core musculature to provide stability are increased with the use of DBs (uncoupled) as opposed to a BB (coupled). Where instability training provides a sufficient hypertrophy stimulus in prime mover muscle groups, there may be the added benefit of core stability training. Specifically, this type of training may benefit both untrained persons and those engaged in active rehabilitation.

Effect of unstable surface training on walking ability in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of unstable surface training (UST) on walking ability in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 12 stroke patients who were randomly divided into experimental (n1=6) and control (n2=6) groups. [Methods] The Subjects in both groups performed treadmill training for 30 minutes. The Subjects in the experimental group also performed UST after treadmill training, with the UST being performed for 10 minutes, five times per week, for four weeks. All subjects were evaluated with a 10-meter walk test, Timed Up and Go test and 6-minute walk test. The pared t-test was performed to test the significant differences between before and after the intervention. The independent t-test was conducted to test the significant differences between groups. [Results] Following the intervention, the experimental group showed significant differences in the Timed Up and Go test and 6-minute walk test. [Conclusion] The results of the study suggest that UST is an effective method for improvement of walking ability in chronic stroke patients.

A Comparative Study between Stable and Unstable Surface Training on Transversus Abdominis Muscle and Functional Performance in Male Cricketers

Introduction: Literature suggests that all movements of the body either originate in or are coupled through the trunk by a strong core. This becomes vital when the goal is high-level athletic performance. There is conflicting evidence with regards to whether training on stable surface or unstable surface should be advocated for progression of core stability. Aim: To compare the effect of six weeks of core muscle training on stable surface with unstable surface on Transversus Abdominis muscle and functional performance in male cricketers. Study design: Experimental Methodology: 24 healthy male cricketers (age 18-25 years), were randomly selected and randomly assigned to either Group1 (Core muscle training on Stable surface) Group2 (Core muscle training on Unstable surface). Participants were assessed on the following outcome measures before and after 6 weeks of Core muscle training. 1) Width of Transversus Abdominis muscle at rest&on contraction- using Real Time Ultrasound Imaging. 2) Functional performance tests a) Standing Stork Test b) Speed-Single Sprint Test (17.7m) c) Speed-Agility: Run Three 505 Agility Test d) Vertical Jump Height Test Results: Data was analysed using paired t-test for within group analysis and unpaired t-test for between group analysis. Statistical significance was accepted at p <0.05. Both the groups showed significant improvement on all outcome measures. On comparison, core muscle training on unstable surface training produced more statistically significant hypertrophy in Transversus Abdominis (p=0.0103), to training on stable surface, but there was no statistically significant difference in functional performance tests. Conclusion: In male cricketers, Core muscle training of six weeks on unstable surface produced more statistically significant hypertrophy in Transversus Abdominis muscle, but there was no difference on functional performance tests when compared to core muscle training on stable surface.

Study on the Usefulness of Sit to Stand Training in Self-directed Treatment of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] This study sought to determine the usefulness of sit to stand training in self-directed treatment of stroke patients. It examined the effect that sit to stand training has on balance and functional movement depending on the form of support surfaces. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients were randomly sampled and divided into an unstable support surface group (15) and stable support surface group (15). In order to identify the effect depending on the form of support surfaces, 15 minutes of support surface training plus + 15 minutes of free gait training was performed. [Results] The results of the unstable support surface training showed that the corresponding sample t-test results were significant for the 7-item 3-point Berg balance scale, timed Up and Go test, and 6-minute walking test. The independent samples t-test, showed that there were significant outcomes in step length on the affected side, and step length on the unaffected side. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the sit to stand training on stable support surfaces was not as effective as the training using unstable support surfaces, but it is a simple and stable exercise with less risk of falls during training. It can also be performed alone by the patient in order to increase endurance and dynamic balance ability. Therefore, it is considered a useful exercise that can be performed alone by the patient outside the treatment room.

불안정지지면 훈련에 따른 만성 뇌졸중 환자의 다리 근활성도와 동요속도의 상관성 연구

Purpose : This research was conducted to see the correlation between sway speed and muscle activity for lower extremity of stroke patients through unstable surface training. Methods : A total of 60 patients were randomly divided unstable surface group (30 peoples) and stable surface group (30 people). Then they were asked to carry out the same exercise program for 6 weeks. The unstable surface group and stable surface group performed the exercise program on the balance mat and on the hard wood block. We checked the changes of sway speed and the changes in muscle activity for lower extremity. Results : The unstable surface group displayed significantly reduced sway speed, and improved muscle activity of lower extremity. There were significant correlation between change amount of muscle activity and sway velocity in Gastrocnemius, Biceps femoris during unstable surface training(r=.373, p<.05)(r=.369, p<.05). And there were not show significant differences during stable surface training. Conclusion : Judging from this, we can have knowledge that the correlation between increase of muscle activity and decrease of sway velocity for Gastrocnemius, Biceps femoris in the unstable surface training.

불안정지지면 훈련을 통한 발목관절위치감각 변화와 동요면적 변화간의 상관관계

This research was conducted to see the correlation between changes of ankle Joint Position Sense and Sway Area through Unstable Surface training. For the study, 48 healthy males and females were randomly divided into an unstable surface group(n

Landing on an Unstable Surface Decreases ACL Biomechanical Risk Factors

Objectives:Quadriceps dominant athletes are at a higher risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries because they lack sufficient hamstring activation resulting in a higher Quadricips: hamstring ratio. Muscular co-contraction (low Q:H) is needed to protect the intra-articular structures of the knee. Exercises that promote co-contraction and proprioception have been shown to reduce quadriceps dominance, enhance knee stability and alter neuromuscular firing patterns. The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether landing on an unstable surface (Bosu Ball) induced a greater amount of co-contraction at the knee compared to a stable surface.Methods:Thirty-one Division I NCAA female athletes performed 3 single leg drop jumps per leg on 2 surfaces. Subjects dropped from a 30 cm step first onto the floor (stable surface), and onto a Bosu ball (unstable surface). Each landing was held for a minimum of 2 seconds. Subjects were familiar with Bosu ball training. Muscle activity of the lateral hamstring and vastus lateralis were used to estimate peak hamstring activity and the Quadriceps:Hamstring (Q:H) co-contraction ratio at the time of peak quadriceps activity. Kinematic data were also collected (Vicon) and used to evaluate the following peak measurements: knee flexion angle, hip flexion angle, and trunk flexion and sway angles (Visual3D). All variables were assessed between the time of landing and the end of deceleration. A 1-level ANOVA was used to test for significant differences across the sports in for each variable of interest. Significance was set at p<0.05.Results:Max co-contraction (Q:H) was significantly reduced when athletes landed on an unstable surface (45% lower, p<0.01 Table 1, Figure 1A) compared to the stable surface. Peak hamstring activity was higher when landing on an unstable surface (15% higher, p=0.05, Table 1) compared to a stable surface. Peak knee flexion angles were 21% greater when athletes landed on a stable surface compared to landing on an unstable surface (Table 1, Figure 1B). Conversely, peak hip flexion angles were 25% less when athletes landed on a stable surface compared to an unstable surface. No significant difference between the surface landings was observed for either trunk flexion or trunk sway.Conclusion:The findings of this study highlight the potential utility of unstable surfaces as a landing training tool for ACL injury prevention. In order to reduce the risk of ACL injuries, athletes should land with a low quadriceps:hamstring ratio and increased knee and hip flexion. Training efforts to alter quadriceps:hamstring co-contraction have proved difficult. Unlike increasing knee or hip flexion, it is suspected to be more challenging to alter neuromuscular patterns with a simple command or demonstration compared to knee flexion. Here, we demonstrate that athletes significantly improve and lower their quadriceps:hamstring co-contraction when landing on an unstable surface. This finding should encourage the integration of unstable surface training as a possible method for ACL injury prevention.

불안정지지면 훈련과 평류전정자극이 균형 및 고유수용성감각에 미치는 영향

Purpose : This study was conducted to examine the effects of unstable surface training and galvanic vestibular stimulation on balance and proprioception. Methods : 4-week training was applied to 40 normal adults in their twenties (unstable surface training group 10, galvanic vestibular stimulation group 10, unstable surface training and galvanic vestibular stimulation group 10, control group 10). Balance and proprioception was measured before the experiment, after two weeks, and after four weeks. Repeated ANOVA was used for balance and proprioception analysis. Results : As a result of repeated ANOVA on balance changes in double support, a significant difference was found in open sight in interaction among groups and periods (p