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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 438-444, 2024. Stroboscopic vision training has shown to improve visual-motor controland 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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