Case Study-effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season

HISTORY: A 16-year-old female athlete underwent a 10-week vision training using stroboscopic goggles during a varsity softball season. The central hypothesis was that stroboscopic vision training would enhance vision performance for softball. The athlete used the stroboscopic vision goggles to train two to three times per week throughout the season. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: An Optometrist examined vergence ranges, measuring how many prism diopters the athlete turned eyes in (base out) and how far she relaxed them out (base in). The vergence testing is a good measure of peripheral vision. On-field performance was measured using batting statistics, including: batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. A single coach kept the batting statistics for one season with no vision training and one season using stroboscopic goggles. TESTS AND RESULTS: Testing consisted of recording on-field performance (batting average) for one year before using the vision training, and the batting average after using the stroboscopic goggles. Visual performance was measured at the beginning and the season's end. On Field Performance•Batting average: Pre .184 and Post .436 (Increased 136%)•On base percentage: Pre .326 and Post .500 (Increased 73%)•Slugging percentage: Pre .237 and Post .636 (Increased 168%) Visual Performance•Base In (Eyes relaxed): Pre-Vergence 16 and Post-Vergence 18 -Increase eyes relaxed by two diopters•Base In (Recovered): Pre-Vergence 12 and Post-Vergence 16 -Recovered two diopters faster•Base Out (Crossing Eyes): Pre-Vergence 30 and Post-Vergence 30 -No changes•Base Out (Recovered): Pre-Vergence 20 and Post-Vergence 25 -Recovered five prism diopters faster DISCUSSION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The innovative application in this study combined testing on-field performance and vision testing using the stroboscopic goggles for softball. The data from on-field performance increased with on-base percentage, batting average, and slugging percentage. The posttest vision test demonstrated an increased base in/eyes relaxed by two diopters, showing enhanced overall reaction time and peripheral fusion (peripheral vision). Additional testing with more participants is needed to determine if other athletes respond similarly.