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

Freestyle skiing aerials are characterized by technical elements including strength, flexibility and balance. Core stability in aerials can improve sporting performance.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of 8 weeks of core stability training on core stability performance in aerials.

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.

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).

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.