Application of a New Device for Saccadic Training in Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Saccadic eye movements are crucial for athletes' visual performance.
• Existing eye movement training methods may lack accessibility for home-based practice.
• Novel devices are needed to enhance saccadic function in athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of the EYE ROLL device for home-based eye movement training in athletes.
• To investigate the impact of the EYE ROLL on saccadic eye movement parameters.
• To compare the effects of the EYE ROLL device with conventional training and no training.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 67 athletes, divided into three groups: control, non-device training, and EYE ROLL device training.
• Participants underwent vision examinations and saccadic eye movement recordings before and after a 4-week training period.
• Statistical analyses were performed on the data of 51 participants.

Main Results:

• All participants exhibited greater and faster rightward saccades than leftward saccades initially.
• The control group showed increased horizontal saccadic asymmetry and reduced leftward saccade amplitude.
• No consistent differences in saccadic parameters or asymmetry were observed between the training groups.

Conclusions:

• The EYE ROLL device may offer a novel approach for saccadic enhancement training at home.
• The device shows potential as a substitute training tool for improving saccadic function.
• Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in improving horizontal saccadic movement symmetry.