SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF EYE MUSCLE EXERCISES ON BALANCE AND COORDINATION IN YOUNG HEALTHY ADULTS – A PILOT STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2522-1795.2025.19.4.9Keywords:
balance, coordination, eye muscle exercises, proprioceptionAbstract
Background and Study Aim. Balance and coordination are based on the integration of signals from different systems, including proprioceptive, vestibular, and visual systems. Oculomotor function plays an important role in spatial orientation and maintaining postural stability. Previous research has shown the positive effects of oculomotor exercises in certain populations. However, their short-term effects on healthy young adults remain underexplored. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the short-term effects of oculomotor exercises on balance and coordination in healthy young adults.Material and Methods. Thirty healthy physiotherapy students (aged 19–25) from the Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Croatia, took part in the study. Exclusion criteria included any condition that impaired balance or coordination. Participants performed eye muscle exercises twice a day for seven days, focusing on activation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and lateral eye movements. Balance was assessed using the “Posturomed 202” device during a one-legged stance test, and coordination was measured using the Wall Toss Test. The results before and after the intervention were compared using the Student’s t-test.Results. After the intervention, the participants showed significant improvements in the areas of balance (increase in mean score from 64.37 to 70.03, p=0.001) and coordination (increase in repetitions of the wall toss from 17.90 to 22.40, p=0.001). Both left and right leg balance improved significantly. Our results are consistent with those of other studies, which also found a positive effect of oculomotor exercises on postural stability and balance in young people, as well as a reduction in the frequency of falls and risk of falls in older people after stroke, and improved function in children with traumatic brain injury. Despite the relatively small sample size and short duration of the intervention, the data obtained demonstrate the feasibility of integrating such exercises into training, rehabilitation, and prevention programs for different age groups.Conclusions. Short-term eye muscle exercises improve balance and coordination in healthy young adults. These simple exercises can serve as effective preventive and rehabilitative strategies. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed.
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