The Effect of Sport-Specific Visual and Vestibular Training in Open-Skill Athletes

The Effect of Sport-Specific Visual and Vestibular Training on Reaction Time and Dynamic Balance in Open-Skill Athletes

This study aims to examine the effects of a 6-week sport-specific visual and vestibular training program on athletes' reaction time and dynamic balance, while comparing outcomes with a control group to determine the extent to which the training contributes to performance improvements.

This pre-test and post-test experimental study will include 20 open-skill athletes randomly divided into two groups (n = 10 each): a control group and an intervention group.

The intervention group will participate in a 6-week sport-specific visual and vestibular training program conducted twice weekly, while the control group will continue their regular training and receive a one-time visual-vestibular educational brochure and online session. Reaction time and dynamic balance will be assessed at baseline and after the 6-week period. Reaction time will be measured using the Light Trainer system and dynamic/static balance will be evaluated using the ProKin 252 device.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Athletes aged 18-23 years.
• Possess an active sports license in any open-skill sport (e.g., volleyball, basketball, football, etc.).
• No upper or lower extremity injury or surgery in the past three months.
• Participate in regular training sessions throughout the study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having an injury in the last three months that required being away from training for more than two weeks.
• Having undergone upper or lower extremity surgery in the last six months.
• Having any neurological or cardiovascular condition.
• Having any vestibular or visual disorder.