Date of Award

2001

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Postural Balance; Reaction Time

Abstract

High school athletes' involvement in sports acceleration training has grown in recent years. Athletes use acceleration programs to help gain an edge over their competition. One way to gain that edge is by improving balance and reaction time. These two components are important in a wide variety of sports. Both help to minimize injury and increase the skill level and performance of the athlete. Although balance and reaction time are essential in sports, there is currently no research available involving these components.

The purpose of this study is to determine if the Altru Health Institute's Sports Acceleration plyometric and treadmill training program increases balance and reaction time in high school athletes. The NeuroCom® Balance Master was utilized to test balance and reaction time. Data were obtained by assessing nineteen high school athletes involved in the Sports Acceleration program at Altru Health Institute during the summer of 2000.

Both balance and reaction time significantly improved after an acceleration program consisting of plyometric and treadmill training. It is recommended that further research studies are undertaken on this subject to improve the training and ultimately the performance of athletes.

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