Effect of training on postural control in figure skaters: a randomized controlled trial of neuromuscular versus basic off-ice training programs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of a neuromuscular training program and a basic exercise program on postural control in figure skaters.


METHODS
Two groups; parallel design; prospective, randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Postural control laboratory, arenas, September 2001 to December 2002.


METHODS
Forty-four young, healthy figure skaters (18 years +/- 3 years).


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to receive a neuromuscular training program (n = 22) or a basic exercise training program (n = 22). Both programs were completed 3 times per week for 4 weeks, and each session was supervised.


METHODS
Participants completed baseline and postintervention measures of postural control on a force plate. Postural control was quantified as the center of pressure (CoP) path length during tests of single-limb standing balance that mimicked figure skating skills and challenged the postural control system to varying degrees. The primary outcome measure was the CoP path length observed during a landing jump test completed with eyes closed.


RESULTS
The post intervention CoP path lengths during the more challenging tests were significantly (P < 0.05) lower (indicating better postural control) for the neuromuscular trained group than for the basic exercise-trained group. For the landing jump test completed with eyes closed, the percent improvement in the neuromuscular trained group was significantly greater (mean = 21.0 +/- 22.0%) than the basic exercise trained group (mean = -4.9 +/- 24.9%; P < 0.05). The magnitude of improvement in the neuromuscular-trained group ranged from approximately 1% to 21%, depending on the specific postural control test used.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that off-ice neuromuscular training can significantly improve postural control in figure skaters, whereas basic exercise training does not.
School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. emily.kovacs@utoronto.ca
Emily J
EJ
Kovacs
Trevor B
TB
Birmingham
Lorie
L
Forwell
Robert B
RB
Litchfield
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012861:Skating / Q000193:education* / Q000502:physiology*