Effects of balance training distribution on balance performance in adolescents

It is firmly established that balance training leads to significant improvements in postural control in youth. However, little is known about how differences in balance training distribution (i.e., how total training volume is scheduled: duration×frequency), despite the equal total training volume, affect training-induced adaptations. This study was aimed at determining the effect of balance training distribution on balance performance. Twenty-five adolescents (15.8±0.6 y) were randomly assigned to either a 4-week balance training-3×/wk group (massed practice: 4 weeks of balance training for three sessions/wk) or a 6-week balance training-2×/wk group (distributed practice: 6 weeks of BT for two sessions/wk) group. Balance assessments included the timed One-Legged Stance test and the Y Balance Test Lower-Quarter. Significant pretest to post-test improvements were detected for all parameters of the One-Legged Stance test and Y Balance Test Lower-Quarter, irrespective of balance training distribution. Additionally, a group×test interaction ( p =0.041 and η _p ² =0.17) was detected for the posterolateral reach distance in favor of the massed practice group. These findings highlight that most outcomes improved regardless of balance training distribution, and only one outcome showed a benefit for the combination of shorter balance training duration with higher balance training frequency (i.e., massed practice) than vice versa (i.e., distributed practice).