Improving lower limb weight distribution asymmetry during the squat using Nintendo WII balance boards and real-time feedback

R McGough; K Paterson; E J Bradshaw; A L Bryant; Ross Clark

doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318220b515

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Improving lower limb weight distribution asymmetry during the squat using Nintendo WII balance boards and real-time feedback

R McGough, K Paterson, E J Bradshaw, A L Bryant and Ross Clark

Journal of strength and conditioning research, Vol.26(1), pp.47-52

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318220b515

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Abstract

injury

surgery

rehabilitation

knee

ankle

Weight-bearing asymmetry (WBA) may be detrimental to performance and could increase the risk of injury; however, detecting and reducing it is difficult in a field setting. This study assessed whether a portable and simple-to-use system designed with multiple Nintendo Wii Balance Boards (NWBBs) and customized software can be used to evaluate and improve WBA. Fifteen elite Australian Rules Footballers and 32 age-matched, untrained participants were tested for measures of WBA while squatting. The NWBB and customized software provided realtime visual feedback of WBA during half of the trials. Outcome measures included the mean mass difference (MMD) between limbs, interlimb symmetry index (SI), and percentage of time spent favoring a single limb (TFSL). Significant reductions in MMD (p = 0.028) and SI (p = 0.007) with visual feedback were observed for the entire group data. Subgroup analysis revealed significant reductions in MMD (p = 0.047) and SI (p = 0.026) with visual feedback in the untrained sample; however, the reductions in the trained sample were nonsignificant. The trained group showed significantly less WBA for TFSL under both visual conditions (no feedback: p = 0.015, feedback: p = 0.017). Correlation analysis revealed that participants with high levels of WBA had the greatest response to feedback (p<0.001,Ï= 0.557). In conclusion, WBA exists in healthy untrained adults, and these asymmetries can be reduced using real-time visual feedback provided by an NWBB-based system. Healthy, well-trained professional athletes do not possess the same magnitude of WBA. Inexpensive, portable, and widely available gaming technology may be used to evaluate and improve WBA in clinical and sporting settings. © 2012 National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Details

Title: Improving lower limb weight distribution asymmetry during the squat using Nintendo WII balance boards and real-time feedback
Authors: R McGough (Author) - Australian Catholic University
K Paterson (Author) - Australian Catholic University
E J Bradshaw (Author) - Australian Catholic University
A L Bryant (Author) - University of Melbourne
Ross Clark (Author) - University of Melbourne
Publication details: Journal of strength and conditioning research, Vol.26(1), pp.47-52
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318220b515
ISSN: 1064-8011
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450422802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Sport Sciences