Influence of a proprioceptive training on functional ankle stability in young speed skaters – a prospective randomised study

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Tina Winter - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, University Center for Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery (OUPC) (Author)
  • Heidrun Beck - , University Center for Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Achim Walther - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, University Center for Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery (OUPC) (Author)
  • Hans Zwipp - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, University Center for Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery (OUPC) (Author)
  • Susanne Rein - , Rhön-Clinics Campus Bad Neustadt (Author)

Abstract

Abstract: The influence of a 12-week-proprioceptive training on functional ankle stability was investigated in young speed skaters. Twenty-eight speed skaters were randomly divided into an intervention (n = 14) and into a control group (n = 14). A 15-min circle training was performed 5 times per week over a 12-week period. Measurements were taken prior to the training, after 6 and 12 weeks of training. Kinaesthesia was evaluated with the Isomed2000 in all movements of the ankle joint. Dynamic balance was tested with the Biodex Stability System at the stable level 8 and at the unstable level 2, measuring the overall stability index, the anterior/posterior and the medial/lateral scores. Static single-leg stance was evaluated using the Kistler force platform. Kinaesthesia of the intervention group improved significantly for plantarflexion of the right foot (P = 0.001) after 12 weeks. Dynamic balance showed significant differences in the intervention group after 12 weeks in comparison with the first measurement for each foot in the overall stability index, the anterior/posterior and the medial/lateral scores (P ≤ 0.017, respectively) at the unstable level 2. Functional ankle stability improved in terms of dynamic balance after 12 weeks of proprioceptive training. Therefore, inclusion of proprioceptive exercises in the daily training programme is recommended for young speed skaters.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)831-840
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of sports sciences
Volume33
Issue number8
Publication statusPublished - 9 May 2015
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 25421343

Keywords

Keywords

  • balance, kinaesthesia, proprioception, speed skating, training