Date of Award:

5-2009

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Advisor/Chair:

JOHN M KRAS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week single-leg stance balance training program on balance error scoring system scores of the trained and untrained leg and to determine any differences between genders for balance performance and cross education. Participants (N = 35) between the ages of 18 - 31 from Utah State University were tested three times over a 4-week period and those in the training group trained for a total of 22 minutes over that same time. Results showed balance improved for the trained leg and the untrained leg as well (p = 0.23). Males and females also performed similarly (p = 0.95). These findings show balance can improve in both the trained leg and the untrained leg after only 22 minutes of training in 4 weeks and that men and women are nearly identical in balance performance and cross education improvements.

Copyright for this work is retained by the student.