A review and evaluation of balance training methods for young adults: mechanisms, applications, and effects

Abstract Purpose This mapping review aims to systematically organize and compare the applications of various balance training methods and their associated quantitative assessment tools in healthy young adults. The study establishes a "device-method-population adaptation" framework to identify areas of concentrated evidence and research gaps in the field. Methods A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted for experimental research published between 2014 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on original research involving healthy participants. Ultimately, a total of 64 studies focusing on healthy young adults (aged 18–35) were included in this review. Interventions were categorized into six pathways: balance board/unstable surface, wearable/sensor-based, audiovisual feedback, hands-on/manual, platform-based, and other integrated methods. Results Analysis of the 64 core studies revealed that unstable surface training is the most frequently researched approach (26.4%), followed by wearable/sensor-based training (20.3%). Key mechanisms identified include sensory-input reweighting, perturbation adaptation, and optimized muscle coordination. Technology-based interventions, particularly Virtual Reality (VR), showed high precision and participant enjoyment. Reactive balance training (RBT) demonstrated superior results in neuromuscular adaptation, including significant increases in muscle activation, and fall prevention compared to traditional coordination training. Assessment tools were grouped into functional tests, static/dynamic postural measurements (CoP), and kinematic analysis. Conclusion While diverse training methods effectively improve balance, their efficacy is highly task specific. Traditional methods are suitable for foundational stability, while RBT and technology-integrated platforms are ideal for high-demand athletic populations. Future research should focus on establishing standardized dose-response relationships and conducting longitudinal studies to verify the long-term maintenance of neural and behavioral adaptations.