Investigation of the relationship between lower extremity muscle strength, aerobic/anaerobic capacity, jumping, balance parameters and race performances in alpine skiing athletes

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between lower extremity muscle strength, aerobic/anaerobic capacity, jumping and balance parameters and race performances in alpine athletes. Methods: Fifteen (male) athletes in the alpine skiing branch with an average age of 19.4±1.68 years, height of 173±7.22 cm, body weight of 70.93±12.28 kg, body mass index of 23.15±3.20 kg/m² and body fat percentage of 13.94±5.20 were included in the study. The heights of the athletes were measured with a Holtain (UK) stadiometer and their body weights were determined with BC, 418 Tanita (Japan). Leg strength measurements were performed with an IsoMed 2000® isokinetic strength device, while aerobic capacity assessments were performed using the cosmed K5 (Italy) gas analysis system. The wingate test was applied for anaerobic power and capacity test, jump performance was measured with an optojump brand device and balance tests were performed with a Sportkat 4000 device. The relationship between isokinetic muscle strength, aerobic/anaerobic capacity, jumping and balance parameters and competition results were determined using the spearman correlation test. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between flexion and extension values measured at speeds between 60°-180°/sec and slalom, giant slalom and combined rankings (p<0.05). Significant negative correlations were found between PP and AP values and competition results; especially MP and MP [W/kg] values were found to have high negative correlations with competition performance (p<0.05). Significant negative correlations were found between ground contact time, airtime, jump height, power produced during the jump, RSI and competition rankings (p<0.05). Jump power and RSI showed strong relationships with better competition rankings (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between static and dynamic balance parameters and competition results. Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that in order to optimize the training programs of alpine discipline athletes, muscle strength, anaerobic power and jumping ability should be focused on, and especially explosive power and reactive strength training play a critical role in improving performance. Keywords: Alpine Skiing, Aerobic/Anaerobic Power, Leg strength, Jumping, Balance