Effects of slackline training on core endurance and dynamic balance (Efectos del entrenamiento en slackline sobre la resistencia del core y el equilibrio dinámico)

Abstract


 Slackline challenges balance by walking on a tensioned strap, where the trunk muscles help to maintain or regain balance. This study aimed to compare a cohort of individuals who regularly practiced slackline and physically inactive individuals on core endurance (CE) and dynamic balance (DB) and to determine whether CE is associated with years of slackline practice. Nine individuals (7 men) who practiced slackline regularly (SG; age= 24.5±3.6 years) and nine physically inactive individuals (7 men) (CG; age= 23.2±3.3 years) were compared. CE was assessed with the McGill battery (trunk flexor, extensor, and side-bridge test) and the plank test. DB was measured with the modified star excursion balance test in stable and unstable conditions. The SG maintained a 36.2% and 45% longer time in left lateral bridge (p=.049) and plank (p=.031), respectively, compared to the CG. The distance achieved in the stable DB test was similar between groups, but in unstable condition was 37.8% greater (p=.016) in SG in both legs and 46.6% greater in the non-dominant leg (p=.039) compared to CG. The SG showed a correlation between years of slackline practice and flexor (r=.674; p=.046), right lateral (r=.765; p=.016) and left (r=.730; p=.026) trunk endurance. In conclusion, those who practice slackline maintain a longer time in the plank and left lateral bridge test and achieve a higher reach distance in unstable DB compared to physically inactive individuals who do not practice slackline.
 Resumen. El slackline desafía el equilibrio al caminar sobre una cinta en tensión, donde los músculos del tronco ayudan a mantener o recuperar el equilibrio. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar individuos que practicaban slackline e individuos inactivos fisicamente (IF) en resistencia del core (RC) y equilibrio dinámico (ED), y conocer si la RC se asocia a los años de practica de slackline. Nueve individuos (7 hombres) que practicaban slackline regularmente (GS; edad= 24.5±3.6 años) y nueve individuos IF (7 hombres) (GC; edad= 23.2±3.3 años) fueron comparados. La RC se evaluó con la bateria de McGill (prueba de flexores y extensores de tronco y puente lateral) y la prueba de la plancha. El ED se midió con la prueba de excursión de la estrella modificada en condiciones estables e inestables. El GS mantuvo un tiempo 36.2% y 45% mayor en puente lateral izquierdo (p=.049) y plancha (p=.031) respectivamente comparado con el GC. La distancia alcanzada en la prueba de ED estable fue similar entre grupos, pero en condición inestable fue 37.8% mayor (p=.016) en GS en ambas piernas y 46.6% mayor en la pierna no dominante (p=.039) comparado al GC. El GS mostró una correlación entre años de práctica de slackline y resistencia flexora (r=.674; p=.046), lateral derecha (r=.765; p=.016) e izquierda (r=.730; p=.026) de tronco. En conclusión, quienes practican slackline mantienen un tiempo mayor la prueba de la plancha y puente lateral izquierdo y logran un mayor alcance en ED inestable comparados con individuos IF que no lo practican.

The effects of core stability exercises on proprioception and balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

“…This reinforcement, in turn, enhances the stabilization of the body and head during various limb movements. The process involves the intentional engagement of tonic or postural muscles throughout the entirety of full-body exercises, as elaborated in reference (Reyes-Ferrada et al, 2021).…”

Enhanced attention and memory in slackline practitioners: a descriptive study

“…Slacklining consists of maintaining balance on a mobile flat rope tensioned between two anchor points, which has been considered an attractive and demanding alternative to traditional balance training (Reyes-Ferrada et al, 2021;Donath et al, 2017;Paoletti and Mahadevan, 2012). It is worth mentioning that, in general, the greatest physical demands in terms of body balance are performed on stable surfaces, as is the case with ballet, ice skating or even the barre in Olympic gymnastics (Hüfner et al, 2011), but in the case of slacklining, one walks and perform pirouettes similar in execution difficulty to the mentioned disciplines on a smaller and unstable surface, a flat rope 4 or 6 cm wide, which multiaxially challenges the balance in a dynamic and unstable way (Dordevic et al, 2017).…”

IMPACT OF SLACKLINE TRAINING & FIFA 11+ EXERCISE PROGRAM IN PREVENTING LOWER LIMB SOFT TISSUE INJURIES AMONG SEMI-PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

“…Performance of the task requires the integration of sensory input and neuromuscular response, balance, postural control, and muscle strength. It allows a high variability of movement with a small and unstable base of support that produces mediolateral disturbances to the body, continually challenging balance (Reyes-Ferrada et al, 2021). The response strategies that occur during slacklining are relevant to prehabilitation, rehabilitation, sporting achievement and simply having fun.…”