Postural control modifications induced by synchronized ice skating

Abstract

Some papers investigated the effects of specialized trainings on postural control adaptation. Particularly, several studies have been performed in ballet dancers. To our knowledge postural control in ice skaters, in general, has not yet been studied. Synchronized skating is an internationally recognized form of figure skating in which a team of 16 athletes, usually female, skate together. Similarities exist between the training regimens of synchronized skaters and ballet dancers with the major difference being that the skaters must maintain postural control during high velocity movement across the ice, that can be viewed as a destabilizing surface. In the present paper we compare static postural control in Synchronized skaters and a control group of physically fit individuals who had not received any on ice training or specialized balance training in order to investigate if the specialized type of activity that synchronized skaters regularly participate on ice may modify postural control. Posturography (Tetrax by Sunlight, Israel) was recorded from 18 female synchronized skaters (mean 21.5 years of age), members of the Italian National Synchronized Skating Team. The control group consisted of 15 females (mean age 22.5 years). The parameters considered in this study were dimensionless values. They were: stability indicator (ST) which represents the status of the general postural stability: stability was lower in skaters than in controls in all conditions even not significant (p ( ( =0.10); weight distribution, expressed as an index named "Weight Distribution Index" (WDI). Synchronized skaters unexpectedly showed higher WDI values (less balance) than the Controls under the less challenging rigid pressure plate conditions. Yet, when place on the more challenging 10 cm foam padded pressure plate, the Skaters had lower WDI values than the Controls (better balance).

Regulation of Balance After Spinning: A Comparison Between Figure Skaters and Controls

“…Overall, these studies have demonstrated the trainability of three separate balance regulation systems, any of which could explain the results of the present study. Similar results have been observed with synchronized figure skaters, who did not have significantly better balance than control participants during quiet standing on a firm surface with eyes open (12).…”

“…Figure skaters had better balance than control participants when standing on a pliant surface which caused postural disturbances (12). Additionally, figure skaters demonstrated better weight distribution when standing on a pliant surface, which was thought to reproduce the unsteady condition of skates on ice (12).…”

“…Previously, static posture has been compared between synchronized figure skaters and control participants (12). Figure skaters had better balance than control participants when standing on a pliant surface which caused postural disturbances (12).…”

Aspects of body balance characteristics of novice fencers

“…Previous studies indicate that balance is one of the basic physical qualities of the athlete's execution of any sports movement, and if the athlete is to lose his balance abilities, he consequently loses his accuracy of performing the skill (Fong & Fong, 2012;Zemkova, 2011). Literature reviews show that are some sports that requiring fine postural control such as: gymnastics (Boso & Golias, 2012;Shigaki et al, 2013;Vuillerme, 2001), dance (Hatzitaki et al, 2002;Schmit, Regis & Riley, 2005) judo (Paillard et al, 2002;Perrin et al, 2002), fencing and shooting (Zemkova, 2011;Herpin et al, 2010), soccer (Jakobsen et al, 2011,Paillard et al, 2006, ice skating (Alpini et al, 2008), tai chi (Fong & Ng, 2006), and other sports (Schmit, Regis & Riley, 2005). Most of these studies were based on a kinetic analysis of the pressure exerted on different surfaces such as normal surface or foam surface, with sway support or reduced support on one or both legs, in different conditions, such as with eyes open and eyes closed.…”

Effects of gender and exercise training on static postural balance of college students: A quantitative comparison analysis

“…Some papers investigated the evaluation and rehabilitation of balance disorders [2][3][4][5]. Some papers investigated the effects of specialized trainings on postural control adaptation [6][7][8], such as Mulan, walking backwards, particularly, the effects of specialized trainings on the postural control adaptation of old people, while the research is still rare for athletes. In the balance training program and related research, it is a vague concept whether gender should be taken into account or not.…”