Analyzing the sensorimotor training using wireless sensors: Studying the effects of balance boards with different dimensions of instability

Abstract

Over the time the popularity of the application of the sensorimotor training in the fields of prevention, therapy, rehabilitation as well as for the improvement of the athletic performance increased. Nonetheless, the impact of the training on the body is not yet fully investigated. Actually, the experiences of the physiotherapist as well as the conditions of the practice determine the therapy planning. For a more detailed look of the effects of the sensorimotor training on the body, two setups were investigated. In the first part, the behavior of two students was studied on three exercisers. Here the EMG data and the motion data were analyzed. Additionally, different tests for the investigation of the laterality of the hands and the feet were made. In the second part, the behavior of the left and the right body side was analyzed for 16 subjects. The results revealed that the major work for the maintenance of the equilibrium is done by the distal musculature. Furthermore, it was shown that there is a different behavior of the musculature at both body sides. Additionally, it has been proven that each test person had an individual behavior on the exercisers. Consequently, further investigations were needed to make general assumptions regarding the impact of the training on the body.