The Impact of Prismatic Adaptation of Visual System on Postural Control and Dart Throwing Precision

The vision is preferred system of sensory information that it is plays important role in postural control and movement. The purpose of current study was to examine the effect of Prismatic adaptation on the postural control and dart throwing precision. For this purpose, 17 healthy male and female participants with age range 20- 41 years old were divided into experimental and control groups, based on the throwing precision. The groups threw 480 darts in eight consecutive days. The experimental group used prismatic eyeglasses that divert the sight to the left. Before and after the training period, the static balance in open and closed eyes states was recorded via force platform and the throwing precision was measured as well. Data was analyzed using mix analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. The results showed that speed and displacement of anterior-posterior sway (P=0.002) and the overall speed and displacement center of pressure reduced in the experimental group (P=0.006). There was no significant difference between closed and open eye (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in group by vision factors interaction (P>0.05). The precision index showed no difference in the post-test but in the retention test, the precision variable was significantly better in the experimental group (P=0.02). The results indicate that challenge caused by visual adaptation can improve the throw precision and individual’s postural control.