Slater, LV, Vriner, M, Zapalo, P, Arbour, K, and Hart, JM. Difference in agility, strength, and flexibility in competitive figure skaters based on level of expertise and skating discipline. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3321-3328, 2016-Figure skating is an extremely difficult sport that requires a combination of grace, artistry, flexibility, speed, and power. Although many skaters are involved with strength and conditioning programs, there is no current information about differences in off-ice performance measures based on skating discipline and level. The purpose of this study was to compare agility, strength, and flexibility performance based on skating discipline and level. A total of 343 figure skaters from 4 different disciplines (singles, dance, pair, and synchronized skating) and 3 different levels (novice, junior, and senior) completed combine testing with the United States Figure Skating Association. All subjects completed the hexagon agility test, t-test, triple bound jumps, vertical jump, timed tuck jumps, push-ups, v-ups, hand press, front split, seated reach, and stork pose. A multivariate analysis of variance with Scheffe's post hoc was used to identify differences in performance based on skating discipline and level. Mean differences, Cohen's d effect sizes, and 95% confidence intervals were reported for all significant differences. Senior and junior skaters tended to be faster and stronger than novice skaters. Singles, dance, and pair skaters tended to be more agile, stronger, and flexible than synchronized skaters, however, senior synchronized skaters tended to perform better than senior skaters in other disciplines. These results indicate that strength and conditioning professionals should consider skating discipline and level when designing strengthening programs for figure skaters.

Asymmetrical dynamic balance compared to normative populations have been associated with increased risk of injury in athletes, however it is unclear if the current data are similar to balance performance in figure skaters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare performance on the y-balance test between sexes and disciplines in elite figure skaters. Thirty-two senior level figure skaters from 3 different disciplines (singles, dance, pair) completed the y-balance test on the take-off and landing leg. Absolute differences between limbs (cm), normalized differences between limbs (% leg length), and composite scores (% leg length) were calculated for all skaters. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to identify differences in performance based on discipline and sex. Females had a greater absolute difference between limbs (Mean Difference = -3.62cm) and a greater normalized difference between limbs on the posterolateral reach compared to males (Mean Difference = -4.26% leg length). Ice dancers had larger composite scores on the take-off leg compared to pair skaters (Mean Difference = 6.42%). These results suggest that male and female figure skaters demonstrate differences in dynamic balance in the posterolateral direction, with female skaters exhibiting decreased reach on the landing leg, which may suggest asymmetrical hip strength in female figure skaters and increase risk of lower extremity injury in the landing leg. Sport performance professionals should consider these sex differences when designing strength programs for elite figure skaters.

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