Talwar S, Smith JW, Lamberth J. The Effect of Stroboscopic Vision Training on Blind-folded Straight-line Walking.
Int J Exerc Sci 2024;
17:438-444. [PMID:
38665163 PMCID:
PMC11042846]
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Abstract
Stroboscopic vision training has shown to improve visual-motor control and dynamic visual acuity in sport performance; however, no studies have considered using this training to enhance kinesthetic awareness during walking, applicable to high fall-risk populations.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of stroboscopic vision training on blind-folded straight-line walking.
Methods
Thirty-seven college-aged healthy participants (age: 20.14 ± 1.23 years; females: N = 32, males: N = 5) completed this study. In this pre-posttest quasi-experimental investigation, participants with no epileptic or balance disorder history completed a four-week progressive stroboscopic vision training protocol. To assess sensorimotor feedback participants were instructed to walk a 27.5 m straight line while blindfolded. PRE and POST blind-folded straight line walk tests were completed and deviations from endpoint were measured. A paired-samples t-test was used to analyze the calculated deviation angles.
Results
Significant difference was noted from PRE (14.48 ± 5.95) to POST (11.60 ± 6.78) deviation angles (t(36) = 2.71, p = 0.01).
Conclusions
This is the first study to examine the effects of stroboscopic training on a vision restricted walking task, which demands feedback re-weighting. These findings may be valuable for clinical settings or performance where reliance on non-visual systems may be beneficial.
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