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BALANCE TRAINING?

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  • BALANCE TRAINING?

    There is a great deal of emphasis on so-called functional training in the
    commercial world, especially regarding enhancement of balance. Thus, a
    plethora of balancing devices such as the physio Ball, 'wobble' boards,
    balance trainers and sponge cylinders, are being promoted to assist in this
    regard.

    The important issue is whether or not these various methods of improving
    balance actually transfer the skills gained under these therapeutic
    conditions to the conditions required in complex sports manoeuvres. While
    there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that there seems to be noticeable
    transfer, as well as improvements as measured on a force plate or dedicated
    balancing testing device, has anyone come across convincing evidence that
    generalised forms of balance training transfer significantly to the
    "functional" actions of sport, as shown by assessment under actual sporting
    conditions?

    There are several references (such as the following) showing that simple one
    or two legged balancing exercises without such devices, especially if
    combined with dynamic exercise, but it is difficult to find any references
    that prove the claimed superiority of balancing devices over the most basic
    drills on a solid surface.

    Judge JO, Lindsey C, Underwood M, Winsemius D Balance improvements in older
    women: effects of exercise training. Phys Ther 1993 Apr; 73(4):254-62;
    discussion 263-5

    Dr Mel C Siff
    Denver, USA
    mcsiff@aol.com
    http://www.egroups.com/group/supertraining

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