The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of proprioceptive training (PT) on static and dynamic balance in SO athletes. The secondary objective was to assess whether PT could have broader implications in fall prevention and improved functional abilities in athletes with IDD.
This single-blind randomized controlled trial included 60 Slovenian SO athletes with documented balance impairments, as identified through the FF. The athletes were randomly stratified based on their balance test results and randomized into two groups: a control group (n=30) receiving regular and a study group (n=30) receiving an additional PT. The intervention lasted six weeks, with sessions held three times per week. Functional assessments, including static and dynamic balance tests from the FUNfitness battery, were conducted pre- and post-intervention.
The study group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both static and dynamic balance compared to the control group. Post-intervention, the study group showed a statistically important and clinically relevant improvement in average test results (p 0.05) for all functional balance assessments. In contrast, the control group exhibited no significant changes in balance performance over the study period. Within-group analysis revealed that the proprioceptive training program led to significant gains in motor control and balance in the study group, supporting the hypothesis that this training accelerates motor learning and promotes neuroplasticity in athletes with IDD.
Proprioceptive training significantly enhances balance and functional abilities in SO athletes, who typically exhibit deficits in these areas. The findings suggest that proprioceptive interventions may play a crucial role in reducing the risk of falls and improving overall motor skills in athletes with IDD. This study is one of the first to examine the direct impact of such training in this specific population, highlighting its potential as an effective rehabilitation tool.
The results of this study have significant implications for the design and implementation of physiotherapy programs targeting athletes with IDD. Incorporating proprioceptive training into existing health initiatives, such as the SO FF, could lead to substantial improvements in functional independence and safety for these athletes. Furthermore, the findings support broader clinical applications of proprioceptive training in fall prevention strategies, not only in athletes but also in the general population with developmental disabilities. Future research should focus on long-term follow-up to assess the sustained benefits and possible integration of proprioceptive training into routine rehabilitation practices globally.
proprioceptive training
balance and functional outcomes
