Immediate Effects of Visual and Auditory Feedback Modalities on Dynamic Balance

Comparison of the Immediate Effects of Different Visual and/or Auditory Feedback Modalities on Dynamic Balance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the immediate effects of visual, auditory, and combined feedback modalities on dynamic balance in healthy young adults. It also aims to explore whether auditory stimulation (Mozart music) can influence postural control and whether combining visual and auditory feedback provides additional benefits.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does visual feedback (mirror) improve dynamic balance performance measured by the SEBT?
• Does auditory feedback (Mozart music) improve dynamic balance performance?
• Does combined visual and auditory feedback lead to greater improvements compared to single modalities?

Researchers will compare three feedback conditions: visual feedback using a mirror, auditory feedback using Mozart music, and a combined visual-auditory condition.

Participants will:

• Be 60 healthy young adults aged 18-25 years
• Be randomly assigned to one of three groups (visual, auditory, combined)
• Perform the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in 8 directions
• Perform the test with and without feedback modalities
• Have their reach distances recorded and normalized according to their height

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 25 years
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision (glasses or contact lenses allowed)
• No musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limbs
• No neurological disorders
• No history of prior surgery involving the spine or lower limbs
• No ear infections
• No vestibular, oculomotor, or balance disorders

Exclusion Criteria:

• Onset of dizziness or balance disturbances during the experiment
• Occurrence of a musculoskeletal injury during the experimental protocol preventing continuation of testing or sessions
• Use of medications affecting postural control during the study period
• Alcohol consumption within 12 hours prior to an assessment or training session
• Non-compliance with the protocol or repeated absence from scheduled sessions