Stroboscopic balance training enhances dynamic stability and postural control in collegiate badminton players: a randomized controlled trial

Background Balance and landing stability are critical for performance in high-intensity sports such as badminton; however, conventional balance training may not adequately replicate the intermittent visual disturbances encountered during competition. Stroboscopic visual training (SVT), which intermittently occludes visual input to challenge sensory processing, has shown potential benefits but remains underexplored in badminton-specific settings. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SVT on static balance, dynamic balance, and landing stability in trained collegiate badminton athletes. Methods A six-week randomized controlled trial was conducted in 20 male collegiate badminton players, who were randomly assigned to either an SVT group ( n = 10) or a conventional balance training group (CON, n = 10). Both groups completed identical 30-min balance training sessions three times per week. The SVT group trained with stroboscopic eyewear in active flicker mode, whereas the CON group wore identical eyewear without visual occlusion. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included static balance (eyes-closed single-leg stance), dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test), and landing stability, using the Dynamic Postural Stability Index (DPSI) and center-of-pressure (COP) variables. Results The SVT group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the CON group in static balance, dynamic balance, and landing stability ( P < 0.05). Specifically, the SVT group exhibited increased single-leg stance time, greater reach distances in the Y-Balance Test, and lower DPSI values, indicating improved postural stabilization after landing. Discussion These findings suggest that incorporating SVT into training may be an effective strategy for enhancing postural control and landing stability in badminton athletes. From a practical perspective, these improvements may contribute to greater movement efficiency, enhanced landing control, and faster transitions during high-intensity play. Future studies should further investigate the underlying mechanisms and the transfer of these adaptations to sport-specific performance.