Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Maureen Dunn

Document Type

Poster

Event Date

4-11-2014

Abstract

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a new sport that requires balancing on a 12-14 foot board while paddling in a river, lake, or pond. SUP involves a great amount of balance in order to stay upright on the board and in the proper position to paddle. Previous research has suggested that SUP may enhance balance, but a training study has not yet been conducted. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the training effects of SUP on static balance in college-age individuals. Twenty-four college students were assessed for static balance using both a force plate and a HUMAC balance board. Tests were done on dominant single-leg static balance with eyes open for 30 seconds, eyes closed for 10 seconds, and two-legged on a bosu ball for 30 seconds. Participants were matched for both gender and height, and then divided into two groups of twelve. The participants in the experimental group met three times per week for a four-week period to paddleboard in the Dow pool at Hope College. Paddleboard training occurred for 15-20 minutes each session, for a total of twelve sessions over the four-week period. The control group maintained habitual activity. It was hypothesized that the experimental group would experience improvements in static balance over the control group. Significant results would allow SUP to be recommended as an effective mode for improving balance in this population. This study is ongoing, and results will be available during the poster celebration.

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