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Published on: May 5, 2015
Improvements in Static Balance Following an Oculomotor Exercise Program in Athletes
Andromeda Lalaj1, Vjollca Shpata2
1Kinesiology Department, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania.
Objectives:
The visual system is essential for postural control, and visual input significantly affect balance. This study investigated whether a structured oculomotor exercise program improves static balance in basketball, football, and boxing.
Methods:
Of the 138 athletes initially randomized (69 per group), 128 completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Participants in the experimental group (EG, n=64) performed oculomotor exercises alongside usual training, whereas those in the control group (CG, n=64) continued usual training alone for six weeks. Static balance was assessed using the Stork test (s) and the Leonardo Mechanograph® platform, with between-group differences analyzed using adjusted post-intervention comparisons.
Results:
The EG demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the CG in both primary outcomes. Stork test standing time increased (adjusted mean difference [EG - CG] = 22.82 s, 95% CI: 19.54-26.10; p < .001). Ellipse area during dominant-leg stance with eyes open decreased (adjusted mean difference = -4.20 cm2, 95% CI: -5.10 to -3.30; p < .001), indicating better balance. No significant effect modification was observed for sex, years of sport experience, or weekly training volume (all p > 0.26).
Conclusions:
Oculomotor exercises were associated with improved static balance over 6 weeks, suggesting they may be a promising addition to athletic training.
Clinicaltrials:
gov ID: NCT07430384.
