Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore how headphones influence balance performance among young females. Given the increasing popularity of headphones among young people, this study aims to investigate their impact on balance, an area that has not been extensively studied. A convenient sample of 30 females between the ages of 18 and 25 years was included in this comparative study. Time Up and Go test and Balance Master System were used to test balance. The study used the Balance Master System to perform the following four tests; modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB), rhythmic weight shift, step-up-and-over, sit-to-stand tests. Tests were conducted with and without headphones to listen to music. The results revealed that participants exhibited significantly better balance, indicated by lower sway values for most of the mCTSIB test when listening to auditory content through headphones (P ≤ 0.05). The other balance tests showed no significant differences between the two conditions. These findings align with the existing knowledge about auditory stimuli in balance control and prompt us to consider the potential implications. Listening to music through headphones may significantly impact balance and stability, raising thought-provoking questions for future research and practical applications.