Eight weeks of core stability training improves landing kinetics for freestyle skiing aerials athletes

Abstract

Freestyle skiing aerials are characterized by technical elements including strength, flexibility and balance. Core stability in aerials can improve sporting performance. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of 8 weeks of core stability training on core stability performance in aerials. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n = 4male + 5female; age 15.89 ± 1.54 years; height 163.11 ± 6.19 cm; weight 55.33 ± 5.07 Kg) and a training group (TG; n = 4male+5female; age 16.11 ± 2.47 years; height 161.56 ± 5.25 cm; weight 57.56 ± 8.11 Kg). Body shape, the performance of core stability, and landing kinetics were measured after 8 weeks of core stability training. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare baseline values between groups. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (time × group) was used. Results: The TG improved body shape, and waist circumference (t = −2.333, p = 0.020). Performance of core stability, squat (t = −4.082, p = 0.004), trunk flexion isometric test (t = −4.150, p = 0.003), trunk lateral bending isometric test (t = −2.668, p = 0.008), trunk rotation isometric test (t = −2.666, p = 0.008), side bridge (t = −2.666, p = 0.008), back hyperextension (t = −4.116, p = 0.003), single foot triple jump (t = −4.184, p = 0.003), and single-leg balance with eyes closed (t = 4.167, p = 0.003). Performance in landing kinetics, End/Phase (t = −4.015, p = 0.004), sagittal axes (t = −4.598, p = 0.002), frontal axis (t = 3.116, p = 0.014), peak power hip changing range (t = 2.666, p = 0.017), peak power knee changing range (t = 2.256, p = 0.049). Conclusion: Core stability training leads to improvements in body shape, the performance of core stability, and landing kinetics. Therefore, these improvements can improve the sporting performance in aerials competitions.

Correlation between core stability and the landing kinetics of elite aerial skiing athletes

“…To reduce experimental error, the same brand and model of shoes, which only differed in size, were used in this study (Fig. 2 ) 6 .

Figure 2 Positions of the marker points.

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Construction of a physical fitness evaluation index system and model for high-level freestyle skiing aerials athletes in China

“…The search included both written and web material. In this study, we not only prioritized the review of a series of professional literature pertaining to freestyle skiing aerials, especially those focusing on specialized physical quality [15,16,[25][26][27][28] and monitoring of physical function indexes [29][30][31][32], but also referred to books related to sports physiology [33,34], training science [35], and talent scouting [36,37]. These materials provide a solid theoretical foundation for the research delineated in this paper.…”

“…performance [60,61]. Therefore, if athletes want to maintain balance and stability, the correct position and completion of an action in the air and have a stable landing posture, strong waist and abdominal muscles are essential [15]. The Quetelet Index refers to the ratio of weight to height, which can reflect the development degree and symmetry of the human body form and can indirectly evaluate the muscle quality of athletes [36].…”

“…According to the current problems of Chinese athletes in training or competition (unstable landing) and in combination with the competitive characteristics and development trend of aerial skills, physical fitness has become increasingly prominent in freestyle skiing aerialists [13,14]. Intensive training to strengthen athletes' core muscles can optimize somersault technique and landing stability [15]. Good physical fitness has become a necessary support and guarantee for athletes to improve their competitive ability and reduce sports injuries [16].…”

Physical fitness characteristics of elite freestyle skiing aerials athletes

“…Improving core endurance and the rapid concentric contraction ability of the hip flexors significantly reduces spinal and knee injuries, while also optimizing landing techniques [ 10 ]. Enhancing core strength and balance helps reduce the bending angles of the hips and knees upon landing, diminishes fluctuations along the horizontal axis, and effectively counters post-landing inertial impacts [ 10 , 20 ]. Targeted strength training also accelerates the rehabilitation process for injured athletes, facilitating a quicker return to competition [ 21 ].…”