title: Computerized Agility Training Improves Change-of-Direction and Balance Performance Independently of Footwear in Young Adults.
abstract: Understanding the effects of training in different footwear on sporting performance would be useful to coaches and athletes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study compared the effects of computerized agility training using 3 types of footwear on change-of-direction and balance performance in young adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty recreationally active young adults (Mage= 22.8 ± 3.1 years; Mheight= 1.71 ± 0.7 m; Mbodymass= 73.4 ± 10.3 kg) were randomly assigned to a 6-week computerized agility training intervention in 1 of 3 footwear groups (n = 10/group): barefoot, minimal footwear, or traditional shoes. Participants had no previous barefoot or minimal-footwear training experience. Dependent variables included change-of-direction test time to completion, Star Excursion Balance Test, and single-leg stability evaluation. Testing was performed at the start of the training program, after 2 weeks, after 4 weeks, and at the end of the training program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No group or time interactions were found for any of the dependent variables. Time main effects were observed for the performance measures of change of direction, Star Excursion, and single-leg-with-eyes-open stability evaluation. Participants improved in all 3 tests as early as 2 weeks into the intervention, with improvements continuing through the entire 6-week intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lack of interaction and footwear effects suggests that agility and balance improvements during foot agility training are independent of footwear in a recreationally active young-adult population. Computerized agility training improves change-of-direction and balance performance within 2 weeks of training implementation. Future studies should consider footwear training effects in different populations, including frail older adults and athletes.
authors.affiliation: a University of Memphis.
authors.forename: Max R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Paquette
authors.affiliation: a University of Memphis.
authors.forename: Brian K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Schilling
authors.affiliation: a University of Memphis.
authors.forename: Joshua D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bravo
authors.affiliation: a University of Memphis.
authors.forename: Shelby A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Peel
authors.affiliation: a University of Memphis.
authors.forename: Yuhua
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: a University of Memphis.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Townsend
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004867:Equipment Design; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012775:Shoes; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Agility; barefoot; intervention; minimalist