The Effects of Visual Training on Balance and Functional Recovery After Lower Extremity Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Kaijun Liu, Jinyu Qiu, Anqi Shi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed visual training (VT) for balance and functional recovery after lower extremity injuries. It included 18 randomized controlled trials involving 707 participants and compared VT with standard rehabilitation or other active controls. VT was associated with improved static balance (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.10-0.81; P = 0.01) and dynamic balance (SMD = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.31-1.44; P = 0.002). The review found no significant effects on subjective functional recovery, physical function, or sport performance; overall certainty of evidence was very low.
Key findings
- VT improved static balance (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.10-0.81; P = 0.01).
- VT improved dynamic balance (SMD = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.31-1.44; P = 0.002).
- No significant effects were found for subjective functional recovery, physical function, or sport performance.
- Larger effects were observed in men, people with chronic ankle instability, and studies using stroboscopic VT.
Why it matters
Balance is a relevant rehabilitation outcome after lower extremity injury, and the pooled findings suggest VT may offer an adjunctive approach, particularly for dynamic balance. However, the absence of significant effects on functional and sport outcomes means balance improvements should not be assumed to translate into broader recovery. The very low certainty of evidence warrants cautious interpretation.
What to keep in mind
The review reports very low overall certainty of evidence and notes the need for high-quality trials with standardized protocols.