Author(s): HURWITZ, P., TAPORCO, J., GUDIN, J., SAKR, M., Institution: CLARITY SCIENCE , Country: UNITED STATES, Abstract-ID: 169

INTRODUCTION:
Vibrotactile technology utilizes the principles of dermatologic afferent pathways to provide sensory feedback and is increasingly being explored for its potential to enhance athletic performance. This technology leverages wearable devices to deliver real-time haptic feedback, theoretically helping athletes refine movement patterns, improve posture, and enhance proprioception. Vibrotactile feedback can assist in correcting form, optimizing biomechanics, and reducing the risk of injury. Research suggests that it can be particularly effective in sports requiring precision and coordination it has shown improvement in reaction times and muscle activation, making it a valuable tool for both training and rehabilitation. As advancements in wearable technology continue, vibrotactile systems will likely become more integrated into training programs, offering a new dimension of performance enhancement.

This double-blind, crossover, randomized control trial evaluated athletic performance benchmarks in NCAA Division 1 athletes after use of a drug-free, non-invasive patch (VICTORY Patch; The Super Patch Company Inc.) to determine the impact of vibrotactile technology on complex athletic function.


METHODS:
70 Division 1 athletes, (40 females and 30 males), including 44 power and 26 endurance athletes were enrolled in the study over 7-10 days and assigned to either active or placebo groups. Subjects were then crossed over to the alternate patch. The study evaluated changes in knee extension, knee flexion, and changes in peak power, jump height, concentric peak force asymmetry and eccentric peak force in the counter movement jump.

RESULTS:
Vibrotactile stimulation of the dominant leg with the VICTORY patch showed statistically significant increases in maximum force, average force, and right-to-left imbalance for isolated movement. The VICTORY patch also showed statistically significant increases in concentric peak force asymmetry and eccentric peak force for counter movement jump. Placebo testing showed fewer statistically significant changes, and the VICTORY patch had a statistically greater effect in left knee flexion testing.
CONCLUSION:
This study implies that patch-based vibrotactile strategies may improve strength and performance outcomes in elite athletes. The findings support wearable, vibrotactile technology as a promising and low-risk intervention to improve athletic performance. Additional research is needed to evaluate these findings in sport-specific activities and outside of the elite athlete population.

1. Sigrist, R., Rauter, G., Riener, R., & Wolf, P. (2013). "Augmented Visual, Auditory, Haptic, and Multimodal Feedback in Motor Learning: A Review." Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 20(1), 21-53.
2. Kosmas, P., Munih, M., & Pišot, R. (2018). "Haptic Motor Learning through Wearable Vibrotactile Feedback: A Systematic Review." Sensors, 18(11), 3894.
3. Chi, W., Heinen, T., & Shea, C. H. (2020). "Vibrotactile Feedback Enhances Postural Control and Motor Learning in Athletes."