Ankle muscle activation when using the Both Sides Utilized (BOSU) balance trainer

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• The Both Sides Utilized (BOSU) balance trainer is widely used in fitness and medical settings for balance training and rehabilitation.
• Limited data exists on the comparative effectiveness of different sides of the BOSU trainer for muscle activation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether the two sides of the BOSU balance trainer elicit different levels of muscle activity in the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and medial gastrocnemius.
• To compare the electromyography (EMG) response between the flat and domed sides of the BOSU trainer during a single-leg stance.

Main Methods:

• Twenty healthy collegiate males performed single-leg stance trials on each side of the BOSU trainer.
• Surface electromyography (EMG) measured muscle activity of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and medial gastrocnemius.
• EMG data were normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) values.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in EMG activity were found for any of the tested ankle muscles between the two sides of the BOSU balance trainer (p > 0.54).
• Both sides of the device presented comparable challenges for maintaining a single-leg stance, indicated by similar muscle activation levels.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate that both sides of the BOSU balance trainer provide similar muscle activation for ankle stabilizers during a balance task.
• Neither side of the BOSU trainer offers a distinct advantage in enhancing muscle activity for balance improvement or lower extremity injury rehabilitation.