Influence of a nine-day alpine ski training programme on the postural stability of people with different levels of skills

Abstract

SummaryStudy aim: In alpine skiing, balance is one of the key elements that determine the effectiveness of the ride. Because of ski boots, the foot and ankle joint complex is excluded from the process of maintaining the stability of the body. The aim of the study was to determine to what extent a few days of skiing activities and the level of technical skills affect the skiers' level of postural stability. Material and methods:The study involved 10 beginner (20.7 ± 1.1 years, 76.4 ± 8.7 kg, 184.4 ± 6.1 cm) and 10 advanced (20.5 ± 0.5 years, 80.5 ± 13.7 kg, 184.5 ± 9.5 cm) skiers, who participated in a nine-day ski training camp. Measurements of the postural stability were taken on the first and last days of the camp, on an AccuSway (AMTI, USA) stabilometric platform. Results: In both groups, a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in stability was observed after the training camp only while standing in ski boots. While standing on two feet, the participants were more stable barefoot (p < 0.05), and when standing on one foot they were more stable in the ski boot trial (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Skiing had a positive effect on the postural stability only in measurement conditions that were similar to those in which this stability was practiced, i.e. in measurements involving ski boots. The restriction of mobility within the ankle joint significantly influenced the training-induced changes in the postural stability of both beginner and advanced alpine skiers.

Potential Health Benefits From Downhill Skiing

“…A recent review and meta-analysis highlights the specificity of balance training (Kümmel et al, 2016). From this perspective, the adaptations in postural control obtained through alpine skiing may be expected to be situation specific, for example, specific to wearing a ski boot (Noé et al, 2009; Bottoni et al, 2014; Staniszewski et al, 2016). Improvements in postural stability may also relate less to laboratory tests for static or dynamic stability (Cigrovski et al, 2017, Panjan et al, 2016), but may have a stronger effect on postural control during sliding or slipping.…”

Dimensions of Snowsports Education: A Review of Literature

“…Regardless of the participant's gender or prior skiing experience, "substantial improvements in balance performance of physically active young people after seven days of supervised alpine skiing with experts" (Wojtyczek et al, 2014, p. 38). Among skiers, Staniszewski et al (2016) found that, while there was no significant difference in balance parameters between beginner and expert skiers, beginner skiers showed "significantly more differences and changes in the parameters of the stability of the body" when comparing measures between balance wearing ski boots and while barefoot (p. 30). Specifically, beginner skiers demonstrated improved balance in ski boots and worsened balance while barefoot after the program.…”

“…Both studies of skiing participants were interested in differences in balance before and after participating in a ski program. The studies examined whether a multi-day program would affect general balance performance (Wojtyczek et al, 2014) or postural stability (Staniszewski et al, 2016). Amongst snowboarders, one study examined the change in static and dynamic body stability of beginner and advanced participants after engaging in a nine-day snowboard instruction program (Staniszewski et al, 2017).…”

A new kinematic dataset of lower limbs action for balance testing

“…The article points out that the difference between skiing balance and daily activity balance which is in skiing balance, athletes should adjust the height of the centre of gravity according to different techniques to complete the action, especially with the advancement of ski techniques such as carving, skiers need a strong core force to control the roll edge change and front and back balance, and accurately cut the skis to achieve the best sports performance 18 . Through Staniszewski’s 7 research also can be determined that good balance ability has a positive impact on skiing, regardless of skiers’ technical level 7 . At present, there are few literatures about balance research in skiing, and the test methods for evaluating balance do not all have enough differentiation ability.…”