The differences in postural stability between cross-country and Alpine skiers with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse differences in postural stability between athletes with ID competing in Alpine and Cross country (XC) skiing to assess the effect of special sports training on postural stability in persons with ID. Methods: Athletes with ID were divided into four groups by their discipline: Alpine skiers (n = 9), XC skiers 2.5 to 10 km (n = 10), XC skiers 500 to 1000 m (n = 18) and XC skiers 50 and 100 m (n = 10). All participants were asked to stand barefooted on the Zebris FDM platform (Medical GmbH, Germany) with their eyes open and closed. To compare differences between groups one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD test was used. To compare the difference between the eyes open and closed, t-test was used. Results: Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between Alpine and XC skiers in analysed variables. The analysis of COP velocity showed superior postural stability in XC skiers 2.5 to 10 km compared to XC skiers 500 and 1000 m. In XC skiers 500 and 1000 m, XC skiers 2.5 to 10 km and Alpine skiers a significant increase in COP velocity was observed when having the eyes closed. In XC skiers 50 and 100 m, no statistically significant differences between the eyes open and closed conditions were observed. Conclusions: Despite different sports training, no difference between Alpine and XC skiers in postural stability was observed. When comparing XC skiers, better postural stability was observed in skiers running longer distances, suggesting that this sports training enhances balance skills needed in everyday life.

The relationship between low energy availability, injuries, and bone health in recreational female athletes

“…Postural stability was assessed at two conditions: with eyes opened (EO) and eyes closed (EC) as used in previous studies ( e.g ., Andreeva et al, 2021 ; Gimunová et al, 2020 ). Participants were asked to stand still as possible on the Zebris platform (FDM; GmbH, Munich, Germany) with a narrow stance (heels and big toes touching) for 30 s. From the Zebris software, the average CoP velocity (mm/s) was obtained for both conditions.…”

“…Participants were asked to stand still as possible on the Zebris platform (FDM; GmbH, Munich, Germany) with a narrow stance (heels and big toes touching) for 30 s. From the Zebris software, the average CoP velocity (mm/s) was obtained for both conditions. Lower CoP velocity has been associated with increased postural stability in previous studies ( e.g ., Andreeva et al, 2021 ; Gimunová et al, 2020 ).…”

The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Lifestyle Sports for Disabled People: A Scoping Review

“…These ADL were reported to be done with less tiredness and fatigue (Velikonja et al, 2010;Steimer & Weissert, 2017). Better control of the body was reported across four studies (Bjerkefors et al, 2007;Rojhani et al, 2017;Degache et al, 2018;Gimunová et al, 2020).…”