Application of a New Device for Saccadic Training in Athletes

TL;DR

This study tested a new home-based device called EYE ROLL to train eye movements in athletes, finding it may help improve saccadic symmetry.

Contribution

The EYE ROLL is introduced as a novel device for home-based saccadic training in athletes.

Findings

Participants showed larger and faster rightward saccades before training.

After four weeks, the control group showed increased horizontal saccadic asymmetry.

The EYE ROLL device showed potential to improve saccadic symmetry but no clear differences between training groups.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to test the application of a new vision training device, the EYE ROLL, for home-based eye movement training in athletes. Sixty-seven participants were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (no training); an eye movement training group with no device; and a group using the new EYE ROLL device. The results of 51 participants were used for statistical analyses after a 4-week period. Before and after the 4-week period, participants underwent the same assessment procedures: a comprehensive vision examination and saccadic eye movement recording. Before training, for both 10° and 5° stimuli, all subjects showed statistically significantly larger and faster rightward saccades compared to leftward saccades. After four weeks, the control group showed increased horizontal saccadic asymmetry and a decrease in leftward saccade amplitude. However, both velocities showed asymmetry in both visits. There were larger changes in saccadic parameters for leftward saccades, but no clear changes in saccadic response asymmetry after training. There were no consistent differences between the training groups. The EYE ROLL is a novel device that may serve as a substitute training tool for saccadic enhancement and may improve the symmetry of horizontal saccadic movements after four weeks of home-based training.

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