Effects of bodyweight neuromuscular training with and without instability on balance control in active universitarians

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of a nine-week unstable vs stable bodyweight neuromuscular training programme on balance control. Seventy-seven physically active universitarians were randomly distributed into an unstable training group (UTG), a stable training group (STG), and a control group (CG). The intervention was conducted three times a week for nine weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included static balance control under an unstable surface (eyes open (EOFS), eyes closed (ECFS), challenging visual-vestibular system (CVVS)), assessed as centre-of pressure fluctuations with a force plate. A mixed ANOVA was performed to test the within- and between-subjects factors. After the intervention, no significant differences were found between groups. All groups presented significant improvements in balance measurements in EOFS (p = 0.01), ECFS (p = 0.01; p = 0.02), and CVVS (p = 0.01) conditions. The training groups tended to have significantly better balance control (antero-posterior) than the CG on EOFS. In the CVVS condition, the UTG tended to have better balance control than the CG. There was no overall significant train ing advantage gained by using unstable or stable surfaces in terms of the improvement in static balance control in active universitar ians. Both training groups exhibited similar training adaptations.