INTRODUCTION: In Paralympic sit-skiing and Olympic skiing athletes are striving for the same goals: medals and success. As the profile of a sport defines the training content the question is if those profiles are similar. Goll et al. (2014) have shown some differences concerning metabolism and, due to the nature of sit skiing, in muscles used. In Olympic skiing maximum core strength and stability are important factors whereas in Paralympic sit skiing movement quality, motor control and coordination are of high importance to ski fast and control the monoski. The aim of the study was to explore whether a standard core strength protocol for Olympic athletes can be applied to Paralympic sit skiers and whether data derived can serve as a basis for training recommendations or support in classification. METHOD: Five national team athletes (two female, three male) of the sitting category (categories 2x LW 12-1, and one in LW 11, LW 10-2 and LW 10-1 each) participated in the study, which was carried out on the isokinetic, motor-controlled device, Isomed 2000 (D&R Ferstl GmbH). Core flexion and extension as well as the core rotation were tested isometrically and dynamically. In rotation, the ROM was set at 30° to both sides. The isometric test position was 20° rotated to the right respectively left. In the flexion/extension test, the ROM was from 20° extension to 40° flexion based on the upright position. The isometric tests were carried out in upright position. Parameters of maximum force, work over the range of motion, left to right ratio in rotation flexion-extension ratio were analyzed and calculated. Additionally force-time curves were analyzed. RESULTS: Because of the different lesion levels and the athletes` individual impairment, a group contemplation did not makes sense and a case by case presentation appeared to be more interesting. For core flexion/extension testing, three athletes (VP 2,4,5) were not able to perform the dynamic test in normal mode and they had to switch to an assistive mode. For most athletes values are not very high, excluding VP 3 (LW 12-1). The extension to flexion ratio remains below the supposed values of non disabled athletes. The force time curves have a slower force rising, lower maximum values and the curve progression indicates less coordinated motor control of the muscles, compared to non disabled athletes. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: This measurement setup, we used, was not designed for core strength diagnostics with sit skiers. Primarily, some athletes were not able to perform the tests, due to their impairment. The surprisingly higher values in core flexion compared to extension, were probably achieved through a compensational movement in flexion and are probably not related to the athletes` core strength. Presumably, a test for core motor control stability and coordination is more beneficial in supporting Paralympic sit skiers. --- The hosting University of Jyväskylä is planning to publish conference proceedings "Science and Nordic Skiing III". In case you are interested in this publication please contact the editors (Anni Hakkarainen anni.s.j.hakkarainen@jyu.fi) to become registered for the book.
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