Evaluation of dynamic balance, functionality and anthropometric characteristics in alpine and nordic skiers

INTRODUCTION: In sports activities, keeping the performance of the athlete at a high level and being able to prevent injuries that may occur during the activity are closely related to the individual's dynamic balance ability, functionality level and anthropometric structure. Although there are studies to evaluate these parameters in different sports branches, studies that reveal the relations between them based on the difference between the disciplines in ski athletes are very limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the dynamic balance, functional performance and anthropometric characteristics of Alpine and Nordic skiers and to investigate the relations between these parameters. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Our study was carried out on 29 licensed Nordic skiers and 33 Alpine skiers aged 16-29. The demographic information of the participants was recorded in the measurement questionnaire, and the Y Balance Test was used to evaluate the dynamic balance, and the Single Leg Hop for Distance Test was used to evaluate the functionality. Martin type anthropometer and non-flexible tape measure were used for the measurements of sitting height, lower extremity length, thigh length, leg length, thigh circumference and leg circumference taken from the participants. Student's t test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine whether numerical variables differed according to groups, and Pearson or Spearman Correlation Coefficient was used to examine linear relationships between measurement variables. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the reliability of repeated measurements. RESULTS: The measurement results of the Y Balance Test were found to be significantly higher in Nordic skiers than in Alpine skiers. The results of the Single Leg Hop for Distance Test showed no significant difference between the two groups (p=0,534). Lower extremity length, thigh length and leg length measurements were found to be significantly higher in Nordic skiers than in Alpine skiers (p=0,044, p=0,005, p=0,005, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between dynamic balance and functionality in Alpine and Nordic skiers and in all skiers regardless of discipline. A significant positive correlation was found between sitting height and dynamic balance in Alpine skiers and in all skiers regardless of discipline. While only leg length was positively correlated with functionality in Alpine skiers, lower extremity length and leg length were positively correlated with functionality in all skiers regardless of discipline. CONCLUSION: This study revealed certain differences in dynamic balance and anthropometric measurements between disciplines in ski athletes. At the same time, this study presented guiding results in order to observe the relation between dynamic balance, functionality and anthropometric measurements in ski athletes without interdisciplinary and disciplinary distinctions.