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Sports Medicine

, Volume 35, Issue 1, pp 43–53 | Cite as

The Impact of Instability Resistance Training on Balance and Stability

  • Kenneth Anderson
  • David G. BehmEmail author
Review Article
First Online:

Abstract

The most predominant literature regarding balance has emphasised the physiological mechanisms controlling stability. Topics range from extrinsic factors (environment) to intrinsic factors (i.e. muscle coordination, vestibular response). Balance is achieved through an interaction of central anticipatory and reflexive actions as well as the active and passive restraints imposed by the muscular system. However, less research has attempted to document the effects of balance on performance measures (i.e. force, power). Furthermore, short- and long-term adaptations to unstable environments need more substantial research. While force and other performance measures can be adversely affected by a lack of balance, the transferability of instability training to activities of daily living and sport is not precisely known. The applicability of instability and resistance training using unstable platforms or implements may have strong relevance in a rehabilitative or athletic setting. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the literature in this area may possibly be of benefit to practitioners who deal with the general population, athletes or persons debilitated by balance and/or stability disabilities.

Keywords

Resistance Training Maximal Voluntary Contraction Rectus Femoris Rectus Abdominus Balance Training 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Notes

Acknowledgements

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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Copyright information

© Adis Data Information BV 2005

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.School of Human Kinetics and RecreationMemorial University of NewfoundlandSt John’sCanada

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