A Combined Sensorimotor Skill and Strength Training Program Improves Postural Steadiness in Rhythmic Sports Athletes

• Authors: Panagiotis Tsaklis , Johanna Karlsson , Wilhelmus Grooten , Björn Äng
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Purpose. The aim of this controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a combined sensorimotor skill and strength training program on postural steadiness in junior females performing rhythmic sports gymnastics. Basic procedures. Twenty-six rhythmic sports athletes, aged 9 to 12 years, were randomized into one of two groups; a 6-week experimental group or to a control group, (during the 2004-2005 training period). In the experimental group, a sensorimotor and back-muscle-strengthening regime was added to the everyday training, while the control group continued with their ordinary training. Before and after the intervention, and at a 12-month follow, bipedal-stance center of foot pressure (CoP) sway area was examined with a statokinesigram indicating amplitude of vertical pressure fluctuations after stimulation of the vestibular system, and the distribution of body weight between legs. Main findings. At the 6-week follow-up, the experimental group had a larger decrement in CoP sway area (-59%, p = 0.004) and in asymmetrical body weight distribution (-58%, p < 0.001) compared to the control group (-0.1% and 2.3%, respectively), but not at the 12-month followup. Conclusions. The present sensorimotor skill and strength training program indicated short-term improved postural steadiness in rhythmic sports athletes. Exercises that specifically emphasize somatosensory and back strength aspects of training for postural steadiness may advantageously be integrated into their training routines.

Keywords

EN

Body weight distribution; CoP sway; motor control; sensorimotor skills; training regime

• Publisher: De Gruyter Open
• Journal: Human Movement
• Year: 2008
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 34-40

Dates

published

1 - 6 - 2008

online

23 - 6 - 2008

Contributors

author

Panagiotis Tsaklis

author

Johanna Karlsson

• Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

author

Wilhelmus Grooten

• Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, 23 100, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden

author

Björn Äng

• Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, 23 100, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden

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Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/v10038-008-0006-7