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A Single Session of Slackline Training Induces Rapid, Task-Specific Balance Improvements and Elevated Resting-State
Rouven Kenville1,2, Dennis Groß1, Maximilian Helbich1
1Department of Movement Neuroscience, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
European Journal of Sport Science
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Neurophysiological changes, specifically increased resting-state beta power, reflect early balance learning from slackline training. Tibial nerve responses did not change, suggesting specific sensorimotor network adaptations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Science
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Balance training is crucial for athletic performance and recovery.
- Training effectiveness is influenced by duration and complexity.
- Understanding early neurophysiological adaptations is key to optimizing balance training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neurophysiological changes during the initial phase of slackline balance acquisition.
- To compare these changes between a slackline intervention group and an active control group.
- To identify brain activity patterns and nerve responses associated with early balance learning.
Main Methods:
- 35 healthy adults, new to slacklining, were randomly assigned to a slackline intervention or a time-matched active control group.
- Pre- and post-training assessments included single-leg stance performance, resting-state electroencephalography (EEG), and tibial nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP).
- EEG data were analyzed for band-specific power changes, and SEP amplitudes were measured.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed improved single-leg stance performance with eyes open compared to the control group; no difference was observed with eyes closed.
- Resting-state EEG revealed a significant increase in beta power in the intervention group post-training, with no changes in alpha or theta power.
- Tibial nerve SEP amplitudes did not show significant changes in either group.
Conclusions:
- Resting-state beta power is sensitive to the earliest stages of balance learning through slackline training.
- Early sensorimotor network adaptations, reflected in beta power, may occur without concurrent changes in tibial nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials.
- These findings suggest that resting beta power can serve as a biomarker for acute post-practice changes in sensorimotor networks following balance training.