The effects of avisual training on postural stability

Postural stability is the body\u27s ability to control naturally occurring sway while in stance and is necessary for safe and functional mobility. This study examined the effects of avisual training on postural sway in 16 subjects who were participants in Taekwon-Do (TKD), a Korean martial art. The experimental group (eyes closed = EC) implemented an 8 week avisual training program; the control group practiced with eyes open. Both groups were subdivided into high and low ranking belt levels to control for the effect of skill on postural sway. Postural sway was analyzed using the Chattecx Balance System (CBS). A three way analysis of variance was performed using the postural sway data from the four balance tests performed using the postural sway data from the four balance tests performed single limb stance (SLS) on the right and left foot with eyes open and eyes closed. The eyes open (EO) group showed significantly lower levels of postural sway in SLS on the right leg with eyes open compared to the eyes closed group. There was a significant decrease in postural sway between pre and post-testing in SLS on the right leg with eyes closed for both the eyes open and eyes closed groups combined. Results indicate that postural sway decreases over time n subjects who train in TKD but that avisual training did not significantly enhance this effect. Limitations of this study could be attributed to a small sample (8 persons per group) and uncertainty as to subjects\u27 frequency of participation in training