Can Balance Efficacy Be Manipulated Using Verbal Feedback?

Verbal feedback was used to alter balance efficacy to examine its effects on perceived and actual balance in young adults. Participants (N=61) completed a stance task, were randomized to either a high or low balance efficacy or control group, and then completed the same task. The results showed that balance efficacy was manipulated as the low balance efficacy group had decreases in balance efficacy. Although verbal feedback did not alter balance efficacy in the high balance efficacy group, perceptions of stability increased for these participants. No changes in actual balance were found. The nature of verbal feedback may differentially influence balance-related cognitions during a challenging stance task in young adults.