Executive functions are responsible for planning, direction and control of behaviour. Research shows that physical exercise, particularly endurance training, can influence executive functions. Balance training, which, compared to endurance training, is less demanding for the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system while being more cognitively demanding, is less studied. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of a balance training session on the Hunova® robot on Stroop test performance. Twenty-three participants took part in the study and completed, in random order, a 45-minute balance protocol and a control protocol consisting of rest or low-intensity activity. The Stroop test was performed before and after both protocols. Before each protocol they also rated their acute and chronic fatigue using the VAS and FSS scales. Centre of pressure sway area during bipedal stance was measured before and after the balance protocol. No significant differences between protocols were found in any of the Stroop test variables. Performance improved after both protocols, but more often after the protocol performed first, which suggests a learning effect due to test repetition. Pre-protocol fatigue did not differ between protocols. Centre of pressure sway area increased significantly after training with eyes open and eyes closed, but this change was not associated with the change in the interference index. Based on the results, we concluded that a single balance training session on the Hunova® robot does not acutely improve Stroop test performance. Future research should include a larger sample and measures of executive functions that are less sensitive to learning effects.
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